By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, May 5: Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof has clarified that ongoing negotiations over Sarawak’s claim to oil and gas rights will involve all relevant parties, including legal representatives from the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) and the Sarawak Attorney-General’s Office.
He was responding to senior lawyer Mohamed Haniff Khatri’s recent suggestion that both legal institutions need to sit down together to resolve legal matters related to demands between the Federal and Sarawak governments.
Fadillah, who chairs the technical committee for the negotiations, explained that discussions are being approached comprehensively, involving representatives from various agencies and authorities.
“All negotiations involve various parties, including those under me, as I chair the technical committee. All parties are represented—including the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the Sarawak Attorney-General’s Office,” he told reporters when met after officiating the Borneo ADR Week 2025 at Sheraton Hotel here today.
He acknowledged that certain issues may require court resolution due to their legal nature, but stressed that the current aim is to find a solution that benefits both sides.
“Some matters involve legal questions that can only be resolved through the courts. However, our approach now is to seek a win-win solution.
“That’s why the negotiations will require not just discussions between the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) and the Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg), but also between the Sarawak Attorney-General and the Federal Attorney-General, as well as Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros). These negotiations will continue,” he added.
Fadillah reaffirmed that the process will remain within the boundaries of the Federal Constitution and existing legal frameworks, as agreed by both the Prime Minister and Premier of Sarawak.
When asked whether the legal issues involving PETRONAS and Petros would stall progress on other matters under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), he said the rest of the agenda remains on track.
“Petros and PETRONAS is just one issue. Many other matters are also being discussed, and several have already been resolved,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
