Senator seeks clarification on Petronas’ legal action against federal, Sarawak governments

KUCHING (Feb 26): Senator Pele Peter Tinggom has voiced concern over Petronas’ decision to file an action in the Federal Court on Jan 10, 2026, naming both the federal and Sarawak governments as respondents.

The move comes despite ongoing discussions guided by the joint declaration between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Speaking during the Royal Address debate in the Dewan Negara on Wednesday, Pele said the declaration, which outlines strategic collaboration between Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) and Petronas, is meant to guide continued discussions between the federal and Sarawak governments along with relevant stakeholders.

“These efforts aim to ensure that Malaysia’s national economic interests as a sovereign nation remain safeguarded, while also protecting the interests of the Sarawak government as a region within the Federation of Malaysia, as provided under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),” he said.

Pele questioned the rationale behind naming the federal government as a respondent, highlighting that the move directly involves the Prime Minister as head of the federal executive.

“I therefore request the government to inform this august House who advised Petronas to file the action in the Federal Court, which indirectly involves the institution of the Prime Minister as the head of the federal executive,” he said.

He added that the joint declaration expressed commitments on oil and gas matters, and any advice contradicting that agreement could undermine the spirit of the collaboration.

He further stressed that the House has the right to know the details to avoid any perception that certain corporate advice may override or precede executive commitments agreed at the highest level between the federal government and the Sarawak government.