No backroom negotiations, Dr Mahathir says S'wak's push for autonomy must go through Parliament

Borneo Post

09-05-2025

Dr Mahathir opined that national policies must take precedence over state-specific demands. — Bernama photo
KUCHING (May 9): Sarawak's push for autonomy, particularly over the control of oil and gas (O&G) resources, must go through Parliament and not be left to backroom negotiations, said former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
In an interview with Free Malaysia Today, the veteran politician said while Sarawak may deserve to earn more from its O&G resources, this should not come at the expense of a weakened Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas).
According to him, political concessions at the expense of Petronas would be a loss for Malaysia.
'The nation will lose by the arrangements being negotiated between the federal government and the state government,' he claimed.
He opined that national policies must take precedence over state-specific demands, while the country's wealth must be distributed equitably between richer and poorer states.
Sarawak has benefitted substantially from being a part of the Malaysian federation, he said.
'When Sarawak was under British rule, did they build the Twin Towers? They were very poor. The British took all their money,' he said.
He argued that Petronas requires substantial capital to grow and must not be undermined by political pressure.
'The whole world is amazed that Malaysia was able to set up Petronas because many oil-producing countries don't have a national company involved in every aspect of the oil and gas industry.
'Petronas is one of the best-run companies in Malaysia. That's why it's listed in the Fortune 500. But now, because of politics, it risks being split up. I believe there are other solutions that can also benefit Sarawak,' he said.
Dr Mahathir was responding to reports that negotiations over gas rights between Petronas and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) remain contentious.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has maintained that Petros and Petronas should collaborate for mutual benefit.
During the Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak 2025 United Kingdom Edition in London on May 4, Abang Johari said he had assured Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that he is committed to pursuing a 'win-win solution' that ensures a fair distribution of national O&G revenues.
On May 3, Petronas confirmed it had received a legal notice from the Sarawak government, stating that its exploration arm, Petronas Carigali, was operating illegally in Sarawak and had violated Section 7(e) of the Sarawak Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016.
Petronas Carigali was given 21 days to obtain the necessary licence, failing which it could face financial penalties under Section 21A of the Ordinance. abang johari Dr Mahathir lead O&G rights Petronas Petros Sarawak's rights