By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Feb 13: Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin asserts that while Sarawak is open to sharing its oil and gas (O&G) resources with the nation, a fair agreement is crucial to prevent growing resentment among its people.
During the debate on the motion of thanks for the Royal Address in Parliament yesterday (Feb 12), Willie reiterated that Sarawak has always maintained a spirit of cooperation. However, he stressed that the State must receive its rightful share of its natural resources, in line with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“Although Sarawak owns the rights to its O&G, Sarawak Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) and the people of Sarawak are magnanimous. We want these resources to be shared with the nation, and all we ask for is our fair share,” he said.
He expressed concern that if fairness is not upheld, it could lead to increasing dissatisfaction that may impact national unity.
“If the (federal) government does not act fairly towards Sarawak, I fear that resentment and discontent will continue to grow, which could eventually harm the unity of our nation,” he added.
Willie also raised concerns over the recent statements made regarding Petroliam National Berhad (Petronas) and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros).
He pointed out contradictions in remarks by different federal leaders on Petros’ role as the sole aggregator of gas in Sarawak, highlighting the need for clarity and consistency in policy decisions.
“The High Court has ruled that Petronas must adhere to State regulations, which is why it has been paying the State Sales Tax since 2019.
“Petronas must also comply with the Distribution of Gas Ordinance (DGO) when it comes to gas distribution and supply in Sarawak,” he said.
Willie proposed a structured framework to balance the roles of Petronas and Petros. Under this approach, upstream production would remain under Petronas, midstream activities such as procurement and distribution would be handled by Petros, while downstream liquefied natural gas (LNG) production and exports would continue under Petronas’ jurisdiction.
“This way, the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA) and the DGO can coexist. Petronas does not lose everything, and Petros does not ‘sailang’ (take) everything either. The claim that Petronas suffers huge losses and loses its entire business in Sarawak is simply not true,” he clarified.
He also highlighted the disparity in gas distribution, revealing that 94 per cent of Sarawak’s gas production is exported by Petronas, while only six per cent is allocated for domestic use. In contrast, 100 per cent of Peninsular Malaysia’s gas production is used domestically.
“Is this fair to Sarawak? Why not allow Petros, as the sole aggregator, to manage a larger share of Sarawak’s gas resources for domestic use? This would help boost the downstream sector, attract investors, create job opportunities, and generate revenue for both Sarawak and Malaysia,” he said.
Willie further argued that the PDA 1974, which places exclusive control of Malaysia’s O&G resources under Petronas, should not override Sarawak’s rights under MA63.
He urged the Federal Government to rectify past imbalances and uphold Sarawak’s constitutional rights over its natural resources.
“The Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) has power over Petronas. I appeal to him to use this power to correct the wrong, uphold justice, and advocate fairness.
“This is the time, and we know he is sincere and capable of doing this for the betterment of our country,” he said.
Reaffirming Sarawak’s stance, Willie emphasised that while the State is willing to share its resources, it deserves a fair and just arrangement that reflects its contributions to the nation. He warned that failure to address these concerns could fuel further discontent and pose risks to national harmony.
“We, the people of Sarawak, seek a fair and ‘win-win’ solution for the prosperity of all,” said Willie. –DayakDaily
