Sarawak urged to push for 30% equity stake in Petronas
Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen said Sarawak has leverage over the federal government given the fragmented political landscape in Peninsular Malaysia.
PETALING JAYA : DAP's Chong Chieng Jen has called on the Sarawak government to lobby for a 30% equity stake in national oil company Petronas.
Chong, the chairman of Sarawak DAP – an opposition party in the state – said Sarawak has leverage over the federal government given the fragmented political landscape in Peninsular Malaysia, the Borneo Post reported.
Speaking at the state assembly sitting today, he also cited Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's openness to accommodating Sarawak's demands.
'I'm not advocating a head-on collision between Petronas and Petros – it is a zero-sum game,' he was quoted as saying, referring to Sarawak's sole gas aggregator.
'Why not negotiate and push for 30% equity participation?'
At a later press conference, Chong said he had suggested the 30% figure as the bulk of the gas produced came from Sarawak.
He also said that once the state government has equity in Petronas, 'no one could take it away'.
'When they declare a dividend, they have to declare you (Sarawak) as shareholder.'
Gabungan Parti Sarawak's Lo Khere Chiang however questioned the feasibility of Chong's demand, noting that the previous Pakatan Harapan government had failed to deliver on its promise of a 20% oil and gas royalty for Sarawak.
'What makes you think that we'll be able to get that 30% equity participation?' the Batu Kitang assemblyman asked.
Chong's call comes two days after the federal and Sarawak governments reaffirmed the roles of Petronas and Sarawak's state-owned Petros in developing the state's oil and gas industry.
Anwar, who issued a joint statement with Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg, said the continued development of both Petronas and Petros was crucial to the progress of both Malaysia and Sarawak.
Anwar also said the joint statement recognised Sarawak's growing capabilities and its rights under the Petroleum Development Act and Distribution of Gas Ordinance, while preserving Petronas's strategic role at the national level.
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