By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 14: Stakan assemblyman Datuk Hamzah Brahim has called on the federal government to instruct Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) to respect Sarawak’s laws and formally recognise Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) as the sole gas aggregator in Sarawak.
Hamzah criticised PETRONAS for engaging in what he described as a “push-and-pull” approach in finalising the matter.
“We urge the federal government and PETRONAS to adopt a serious and positive stance to promptly resolve this agreement. PETRONAS should not say ‘okay, then wait,’ or ‘agree in one meeting, then later need to discuss it again,’” he said when debating Sarawak Budget 2025 during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today.
He underscored that PETRONAS, like all companies operating in Sarawak, is bound by Sarawak’s laws.
“You are not above the law. Don’t be stubborn. Don’t be disrespectful. Don’t demean Sarawak’s laws, because everyone else is complying,” he stated.
Hamzah also referenced recent comments by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who indicated that the gas distribution issue between PETRONAS and Petros had been resolved. However, PETRONAS later issued a statement claiming otherwise.
“This seems to belittle the Sarawak government, as though we are misleading the people, when in fact, it is settled, but PETRONAS refuses to agree,” he said, noting that the Distribution of Gas Ordinance, 2016 has been in effect since the start of this year while PETRONAS has been given until Oct 31, 2024, to comply.
Hamzah warned that Sarawak must not allow PETRONAS’s perceived arrogance, stubbornness, and defiance to strain relations between the Sarawak and federal governments.
“Let’s not allow this pride and greed to contribute to the potential downfall of the Madani government. This is possible because our laws are currently being dishonoured, belittled, and disrespected,” he cautioned, stressing that Sarawak’s rights must be genuinely respected.
“It is unacceptable for leaders from the Peninsula to proclaim respect for the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and Sarawak’s rights publicly, only to work behind the scenes to undermine them.”
“We, the people of Sarawak, have dignity; we have feelings, and we, too, can be hurt,” he added.
Hamzah suggested that the Sarawak government take more assertive steps to finalise this agreement, leveraging the current national political landscape to ensure that Sarawak benefits fully from this arrangement.
He emphasised the urgency of reaching an agreement on gas sales rights, citing that previously, 94 per cent of Sarawak’s gas was exported to Korea and Japan, while Sarawak requires this resource to meet investment needs within the State. — DayakDaily
