Letter to the Editor
By Lating Minggang
Ever since 1974 (about 49 over years ago), after getting about 95 per cent of the oil and gas (O&G) revenue annually, of which, some of the revenue portions were being generated from the Sarawak’s O&G resources, the big question that often lingers in most of the Sarawakians’ minds are: What are the “iconic legacy” and “hallmark” that have been contributed and shown by Petronas to-date, in the place of which this national oil company’s (NOC) operates?
Here, we are referring to this NOC’s presence in Sarawak, that is for being one of the main producers of the nation’s O&G and also for being the host State in the which the NOC operates.
Lest we forget, in West Malaysia, Petronas has already got the Petronas Twin Towers as a signature brand to its corporate name, as well as, being a part of its commitment to its motto — “Energy Received, Energy Return, Aspiring People Everywhere”.
Thus, with the new year approaching, it would be nice if Petronas would consider also to leave a legacy in Sarawak, that is by adding a new iconic landmark as a signature brand of its corporate name, to indicate the NOC’s presence and appreciation, as well as, to show its goodwill and sincere gratitude to the host State in which it operates.
This new iconic landmark by the NOC, too, can go far beyond its corporate image, and it includes, but not limited to the long term partnership with the State in which it has operated for over 49 years.
It’s an open secret that, more often then not, the revenue generated from the State’s O&G is being utilised more towards the infrastructure development in Peninsular Malaysia, that is to help to develop Malaya to prosper rather than giving back an equitable amount of fund back to the State.
Also, thanks to the O&G revenue, now Malaya is just a few years away from reaching its ultimate goal, that is to achieve the status of being called the fully developed status nation.
In the 70s, the difference in the infrastructure development between Sarawak and Malaya was not that much difference, however, today, we could see the difference between both of them are miles apart and most probably Malaya by now is leading ahead by more than 10 years.
Since the State has done so much with respect to its role with regard to its corporate social responsibility to Malaya through its O&G contributions, this proposed upcoming new iconic landmark by Petronas would be considered to be a part of a “value maximisation” for Sarawak for being the NOC long term “value business partner”.
This new iconic landmark will help to boost Petronas corporate image as the organization can play a more positive role in the State in which the NOC operates since it is also closely linked to sustainability in creating economic, social, and environmental value.
Indeed, this does help to promote a positive brand image of Petronas and the State, in general. If not now, when? If not Petronas, who else?
Like what Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian often says “Jangan tengok, sahaja”. The iconic legacy, undoubtedly, will be a very good landmark that Sarawakians can look forward to in this coming New Year 2024. — DayakDaily
Lating Minggang is the Walikota for Kapit District Council.
This is the personal opinion of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of DayakDaily. Letters to the Editor may be lightly edited for clarity.
