by NOOR SYAHHIRA HADY & NURA V LORNA
KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has denied rumors that Sarawak intends to take over the national oil company, Petronas.
“Many rumors say that Sarawak wants to take over the company but I want to clarify that Sarawak’s position is clear.
“We want to be actively involved in the oil and gas industry and be a partner to Petronas. We have no intention of taking over Petronas,” he reaffirmed.
He said this when he officiated at the Sarawak Vendor in the Oil and Gas Services and Equipment (OGSE) industry appreciation ceremony at Hilton Hotel here today (July 1).
Abang Johari expressed the Sarawak government’s firm stance to be actively involved in the oil and gas industry under the management of Petronas.
He stressed that ever since he was appointed as the Chief Minister (now Premier), Sarawak had not breached the spirit of collaboration with Petronas because the state works together based on its law and within the parameters of its legal rights.
He explained that Sarawak has five laws that act as a guide in managing mineral resources in the state.
These legislations are the Sarawak Land Code; Oil Mining Ordinance 1958; Gas Distribution Ordinance; The Federal Constitution; and the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
“In other words, we don’t take other people’s rights. We manage based on our rights… Taking other people’s rights is a sin. Moreover, as leaders, we must abide by these five laws fairly and cooperate with one another.
“If you don’t feel satisfied, any dispute can be resolved through the court process, let the court decide.
“We work in harmony. We want to make sure that our rights are properly protected,” he said.
