Abang Jo: Push for oil and gas rights will not harm Petronas
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HL: Abang Jo: Push for oil and gas rights will not harm Petronas
By Mohd Roji Kawi
KUCHING: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg has dismissed claims that the state's efforts to assert its rights over oil and gas management would "kill" Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas).
He said the state government is committed to establishing strong cooperation with Petronas, emphasising that collaboration between the national oil company and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) would benefit both Sarawak and Malaysia as a whole.
"I thank the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, for his understanding. That is why he approved Petros as the gas aggregator for Sarawak.
"He understands Sarawak's struggle to reclaim its rights as stipulated in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
"I extend my gratitude to him, and we will continue to manage our resources fairly. This is not about 'killing' Petronas," he said during the launch of the Pasi Road to Sibu-Tanjung Manis and the Batang Rajang Bridge in Sarikei today.
Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas, Utilities and Telecommunications Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, and Urban Planning, Land Administration, and Environment Deputy Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh.
The 1.44km bridge, valued at RM321 million, is a key component in the state government's efforts to enhance connectivity in central Sarawak.
It also reduces the distance between Sarikei and Tanjung Manis from 122km to just 53km, cutting travel time from two hours and 30 minutes to 45 minutes.
Abang Johari further stated that Sarawak's efforts to assert its rights are firmly grounded in the Federal Constitution and MA63.
"The Federal Constitution takes precedence over the Petroleum Development Act (PDA) 1974. Therefore, those who criticise Sarawak's struggle clearly do not understand the Federal Constitution and MA63.
"As long as our struggle is based on the law, the Sarawak Government will continue to defend its rights," he added.
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