By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 2: A bipartisan committee between Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) and the Democratic Action Party (DAP) to discuss Sarawak’s oil and gas resources is unnecessary as discussions are ongoing and close to being finalised, said Deputy Minister of Utility (Sarawak Energy Berhad and Petros) Datuk Ibrahim Baki.
Speaking at his Hari Raya open house at Hikmah Exchange today, Ibrahim, who is also PBB vice president, said PBB leaders have already addressed the matter, and forming a bipartisan committee with DAP is redundant.
“The matter is already under the bridge, and we are almost settling the issue,” he stated, acknowledging the efforts made by all involved parties.
On March 19, DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) Sarawak proposed forming a bipartisan committee comprising representatives from both DAP and PBB to strategise and negotiate on Sarawak’s oil and gas interests while fostering alliances at the federal level.
DAPSY Sarawak had also submitted a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who is also PBB president, seeking political cooperation on the matter.
However, Ibrahim reassured that discussions between the federal and Sarawak governments, along with Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) are progressing.
“Both parties are actively engaging in talks and negotiating the commercial settlement, although I cannot give the details, so it’s not necessary anymore,” he said.
He expressed appreciation for DAPSY Sarawak’s concerns, saying, “As a Sarawakian, thank you very much for their support. But forming the committee is not necessary. Everything is already on the table, and we are waiting to finalise the details.”
Ibrahim noted that the negotiations are complex, requiring terms that ensure fairness and equity for all stakeholders.
In its MoU, DAPSY Sarawak also stressed the importance of unified negotiations with the federal government by collaborating with resource-rich states such as Sabah, Kelantan, and Terengganu.
It also proposed establishing a non-partisan parliamentary caucus to strengthen Sarawak’s position in advocating for fairer resource governance alongside other states. — DayakDaily
