By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, May 27: Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) has dismissed Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman and Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen’s suggestion that Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg should have demanded a 30 per cent equity stake in Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), calling it populist and legally untenable.
“SUPP elected representatives (YBs) does not agree with the suggestion by YB Chong Chieng Jen who in his various statements has implied that the Premier could have done better by demanding a 30 percent equity stake in PETRONAS,” said Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap during a press conference at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) here today.
“Such a proposal, while populist in tone, overlooks the practical and legal complexities surrounding PETRONAS’s structure and federal jurisdiction.
“The current joint declaration secures direct regulatory authority for Sarawak over its own gas resources — a far more immediate and enforceable gain than speculative equity stakes in a federally-owned entity,” he asserted.
Yap stated that SUPP believes Sarawak’s interests are better served through tangible regulatory control and ongoing cooperation with the federal government, rather than unrealistic demands that could lead to political impasse.
“All our SUPP YBs fully support the recent joint declaration by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, recognising its political expediency in bridging federal and state interests while ensuring that Sarawak’s regulatory control is not compromised,” he said.
He explained that the joint declaration affirms Sarawak’s authority by requiring PETRONAS to seek approval from the Ministry of Utilities and Telecommunication (MUT) Sarawak for all oil and gas activities in the State — especially those that do not align with Petroleum Sarawak Berhad’s (PETROS) role as the sole gas aggregator.
“This development represents a matured and balanced approach — it upholds national unity while reinforcing Sarawak’s constitutional and legislative rights.
“It is not just a political gesture; it is a formal acknowledgment of Sarawak’s autonomy in managing and regulating its own resources in line with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the spirit of federalism,” Yap said.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee, said the joint declaration between the federal government and Sarawak had clearly resolved the long-standing disputes regarding oil and gas governance in the State.
“This is another milestone for Sarawak and our people. SUPP firmly commended both our YAB Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, for their wisdom and firm stand to reach this understanding and agreement for the way forward.”
He stressed that all gas industry players, including PETRONAS, must respect and comply with Section 7 of the Sarawak Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016 (DGO 2016), which requires a license to operate and mandates adherence to state laws.
Tiang, who is also Pelawan assemblyman, criticised DAP’s response, accusing the party of political posturing.
“As usual, DAP is being irresponsible and trying to play politics on these issues when both the Prime Minister and Premier are standing firm on the same ground with the joint declaration to clear things out between PETROS and PETRONAS,” he said.
“Needless to say, DAP showed absolutely no interest in the real facts and Sarawak’s achievements.
“Instead, they resorted to accuse SUPP of being silent on PETROS and PETRONAS matters to divert public attention from their bankruptcy of ideas,” he added. — DayakDaily
