By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 11: The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Member of Parliament (MP) Backbenchers have clarified that Petroliam Nasional Berhad’s (PETRONAS) recent restructuring and workforce adjustments have nothing to do with Sarawak’s pursuit of regulatory control over its oil and gas resources, stressing that such corporate actions are based purely on global and domestic market conditions.
In a statement today, the GPS MPs said the ongoing changes within PETRONAS are “independent corporate decisions” that reflect market realities, not political or state-driven developments.
“There is no direct or indirect connection between PETRONAS’ internal decisions and Sarawak’s rightful pursuit of regulatory and commercial roles in managing its own oil and gas resources through PETROS,” the statement read following a press conference held by Sri Aman MP Dato Sri Doris Sophie Brodie in Parliament today.
The backbenchers affirmed that Sarawak continues to work collaboratively with PETRONAS to ensure both entities contribute positively to Malaysia’s energy resilience and long-term national interest.
They described the partnership between Sarawak and PETRONAS as “strong, strategic, and forward-looking,” noting that the recent staff adjustments at the national oil company are part of its right-sizing exercise.
“These decisions have nothing to do with Sarawak’s constitutional rights or demands,” they stressed.
Addressing online claims comparing DBS Bank’s market capitalisation with PETRONAS’ brand value, the MPs said such comparisons are misleading and wrongly attribute blame to Sarawak.
They explained that market capitalisation is shaped by global financial trends and investor sentiment — not state-level energy policies or Sarawak’s resource management.
“PETRONAS remains one of Southeast Asia’s most valuable and respected national oil companies, with robust fundamentals, a diversified global portfolio, and an unwavering commitment to Malaysia’s prosperity,” the statement continued.
The GPS MPs reiterated that Sarawak’s strengthening of its State-owned energy company, Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS), complements rather than competes with PETRONAS.
They emphasised that Sarawak’s pursuit of greater control over its natural resources is rooted in fairness, constitutional rights, and a shared vision for Malaysia’s collective prosperity.
“Sarawak, PETROS, and PETRONAS will continue to collaborate constructively to ensure Malaysia’s energy future remains strong, sustainable, and inclusive,” they affirmed.
The GPS Backbenchers also urged the public to be discerning when engaging with online discussions regarding the issue, and to verify claims with credible sources before sharing unverified information. — DayakDaily
