Latest news with #OilMiningOrdinance1958
Borneo Post
22-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak strengthens grip over O&G under GPS leadership
The establishment of Petros and its appointment as the sole aggregator of oil and gas further reinforces that Sarawak alone decides how its resources are managed. KUCHING (July 22): Sarawak, under the leadership of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), has successfully reclaimed sovereign control over its oil and gas resources. Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap said this was achieved through the enforcement of the Oil Mining Ordinance 1958 (OMO) and the Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016 (DGO), which reaffirm the state's constitutional rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). 'Sarawak has compelled the federal government and Petronas to acknowledge our right to impose the Petroleum Sales Tax, bringing back billions to the state instead of allowing our wealth to be siphoned off,' said Yap, who is Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Kota Sentosa branch chairman. Wilfred Yap He added that the establishment of Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) and its appointment as the sole aggregator of oil and gas further reinforces that Sarawak alone decides how its resources are managed. 'This is not a concession from Putrajaya, but an inherent right that can no longer be denied.' Yap urged Sarawakians to take pride in GPS' efforts, especially in securing the five per cent sales tax on petroleum products and restoring full enforcement of the OMO, which places licensing and control of oil and gas development solely under Sarawak's jurisdiction. On May 21 this year, a joint declaration by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stated that while Petronas would continue its roles under the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA), Petros would be recognised as the gas aggregator for Sarawak. Federal and state laws governing gas distribution in Sarawak will coexist and be upheld by all involved. The declaration also emphasised that all parties will work together to finalise a framework that reflects Sarawak's aspirations and benefits the nation. In his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) on May 26 this year, Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said Petronas might apply for exemption from licensing requirements for activities or projects that would not conflict with Petros' role as Sarawak's sole gas aggregator. Such applications would be considered in accordance with the law, provided they do not involve the supply, sale, retail, or distribution of gas – sectors under Petros' jurisdiction. Julaihi stressed that all agreements involving the supply and sale of natural gas in Sarawak must align with Petros' role as outlined in the joint declaration. He also reminded that parties involved in gas distribution and supply must obtain a licence under Section 7 of the DGO 2016. Failure to comply constitutes an offence under Section 20 (criminal case) or Section 21A (civil claim) of the Ordinance, which carries penalties including fines, imprisonment, or both. Dato JC Fong Sarawak State Legal Counsel Dato JC Fong said under the MA63, the Constitution of Malaysia was adopted with amendments to safeguard the rights and interests of Sabah and Sarawak. He explained that, following these amendments, the issuance of prospecting licences and mining leases falls under state jurisdiction as provided by Item 2(c) of the State List. Although the federal government holds authority over the development of minerals and oilfields, this is subject to state-issued leases under Item 2(c). 'There is no dispute that Sarawak has legislative and executive authority over gas distribution. Since the federal Gas Supply Act 1993 (GSA93) does not apply to Sarawak, and Sarawak is exempt from Sections 6(1) and (3) of the PDA, the only law governing gas supply in the state is the DGO,' he said. Fong added that Petronas must comply with the DGO and recognise Petros as the sole aggregator appointed under the Ordinance. Presently, 94 per cent of gas produced in Sarawak is exported – mainly to Japan and Korea in the form of liquefied natural gas (LNG) – to boost their industries. However, Fong said this could not continue at the expense of Sarawak's long-term development. The state government has therefore developed a 'Sarawak Roadmap' to use its gas resources for economic development and green energy production. Dato Ahmad Ibrahim Senator Dato Ahmad Ibrahim said the appointment of Petros as Sarawak's sole gas aggregator marks a turning point in the state's long-standing efforts to reclaim its rights, but stressed that the journey began much earlier. 'Petros' role is crucial, but it is just one of many wins. This is no longer a 'David vs Goliath' battle – it is about constitutional justice, economic sovereignty, and securing Sarawak's energy future,' said Ahmad, who is vice-president of the Council of Malaysian Senators and a Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) supreme council member. He said Sarawak's achievements over the past decade reflect a multi-tiered success, encompassing legislation, litigation, institutional empowerment, and commercial breakthrough. While the aggregator role represents a major commercial milestone, Ahmad said it was made possible only through the state's solid legal foundation, strengthened over the years by consistent efforts from the Sarawak government. 'This success stands on the pillars of the Sarawak Land Code, DGO 2016, Article 95D of the Constitution, and the unwavering commitment of our state leadership,' he said. Ahmad also cited Article 95D, which provides for the exclusion of Sabah and Sarawak from the application of certain federal laws concerning land and local government. 'With Petros now controlling gas aggregation, Sarawak can secure its domestic gas supply, support industrial transformation via reliable energy pricing, develop new sectors such as hydrogen, ammonia, and clean energy, and reclaim economic value for its people,' he added. 'The Federal Constitution is clear – laws affecting our land and resources require our consent. We never gave that away. What we are seeing today is Sarawak enforcing its rightful place in the Federation. 'This is not just about oil and gas. This is about respecting the Federation as it was meant to be formed in 1963.' Sarawak significantly contributed to federal coffers through its rich oil and gas resources since 1976, with all natural gas converted to LNG for export to Japan, Korea, and Taiwan – earning substantial foreign exchange for the Malaysian government. The imposition of States Sales Tax (SST) on petroleum products reflects the Sarawak government's fiduciary duty to secure a fairer share of these revenues for its people. At current production levels and global prices, Sarawak's oil and gas industry generates around RM40 billion annually. The SST is expected to yield additional RM3 billion additional revenues for the state. Gabungan Parti Sarawak lead oil and gas industry Petros sarawak day
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
DUN reappoints Ahmad Ibrahim as senator for second term
Senator Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim — Ukas photo KUCHING (May 22): The State Legislative Assembly (DUN) today approved a motion to reappoint Senator Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim, 56, as a member of the Dewan Negara for a second term. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who is Bukit Sari assemblyman, proposed the motion, which was seconded by Deputy Premier and Batu Kawah assemblyman Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. His current appointment, which started on July 22, 2022, is set to end on July 21, 2025, while his new appointment is effective the following day. During a press conference, Ahmad thanked Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, deputy premiers, all assembly members, and DUN leadership for their continued trust. 'This is not merely a personal honour. It is a sacred responsibility to carry Sarawak's voice, to defend our territorial rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), and to ensure Sarawak's interests are safeguarded at the federal level,' he said. Ahmad, who is also Malaysian Senators Council vice president and a Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) supreme council member, is known for his outspoken stance on issues such as MA63, the Oil Mining Ordinance 1958 (OMO58), the strengthening of Petros, and Sarawak's autonomy within the Malaysian Federation. Throughout his first term, he actively participated in policy debates, engagement sessions with youths, NGOs, and community leaders, representing Sarawak's voice in national development, federal-state relations, and inclusive governance. 'Moving forward, I reaffirm my full commitment to all Anak Sarawak. 'I will continue to serve with integrity, cross-party cooperation, and deep loyalty to our land and people,' he added. Born on Aug 14, 1969 at Kanowit Hospital, Ahmad began his early education at St Teresa's Primary School in Serian before transferring to St Joseph's Primary School here, followed by St Joseph's Secondary School. He later furthered his studies at Ashbury College in Ottawa, Canada. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in International Business (Finance) from the University of San Francisco, California, USA, in 1995. Upon returning to Malaysia, he was actively involved in various community initiatives and social development programmes alongside his professional duties in banking and business management, eventually transitioning into politics. Ahmad has been a member of PBB since 1996 and has served as PBB Batu Kawa chairman since 2009, as well as a member of the PBB Supreme Council. In the field of youth and sports development, he has been a Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (Saberkas) lifetime member since 2006 and currently serves as Saberkas Batu Kitang deputy chairman.
New Straits Times
13-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Anwar and Abang Johari set to sign landmark oil & gas deal in 2 days
KUCHING: Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg says that he and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim are set to sign an agreement in two days to resolve long-standing issues surrounding Sarawak's oil and gas resources. "Just wait — there will be a formal document between the prime minister and myself concerning the oil and gas agreement," he said after officiating the International Construction Week (ICW) Borneo Region here. He was responding to questions about his recent meeting with Anwar, which focused on finalising matters related to negotiations between Petronas and Sarawak's state-owned Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros). Abang Johari hinted that the federal government had agreed to recognise both the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA74) and Sarawak's Oil Mining Ordinance 1958 (OMO) as coexisting legal instruments governing the industry. He also confirmed that Putrajaya recognised Petros as the sole aggregator of oil and gas resources in Sarawak. Abang Johari said both governments had reached a consensus on the commercial agreement between Petronas and Petros, including increasing Sarawak's equity in liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities in Bintulu. The Prime Minister's Office had earlier issued a statement confirming that both parties had come to an agreement aimed at resolving all prior disputes and facilitating closer collaboration between Petronas and Petros. The statement said that the move was vital to unlocking the sector's full potential and ensuring its effective implementation, including the expedited commercial supply of energy to Asean nations. The high-level meeting took place at Perdana Putra in Putrajaya on May 9 and was attended by top executives from both Petronas and Petros. The announcement comes amid heightened tensions between the Sarawak government and Petronas. Recently, the Sarawak government issued a legal notice alleging that Petronas Carigali was operating unlawfully in the state, having failed to comply with Section 7(e) of the Sarawak Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016. Petronas Carigali was given 21 days to obtain the necessary operating licence, with failure to do so potentially resulting in financial penalties under Section 21A of the same ordinance. Last week, Petronas failed in its bid to secure a court injunction at the Kuching High Court to halt a suit filed by Petros. The suit challenges Petronas over unpaid gas revenues and seeks to prevent the court from proceeding with the case. Abang Johari recently commented that he was "playing ball" with Petronas amid the ongoing legal and political negotiations over natural gas rights in Sarawak.
Borneo Post
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Democracy under threat narrative reflects DAP Sarawak's desperation to stay relevant, claims Yap
Wilfred Yap – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (May 12): The state Democratic Action Party's (DAP) narrative of 'democracy under threat' is a desperate attempt to remain relevant despite its declining influence in Sarawak, claimed Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap. The Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) lawmaker said the fact DAP had been reduced to just two seats in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) proved Sarawakians rejected its brand of politics. 'DAP's insinuation that Sarawak's political landscape is undemocratic due to the strength of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is a gross misrepresentation of the will of the people and the realities of good governance of Sarawak GPS under the visionary and exceptional leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg,' Yap said in a statement today. The statement was in response to DAP Sarawak's stance during its recent Kuching branch annual general meeting. According to Yap, DAP's claim that Sarawak GPS' strength was becoming 'unhealthy' for democracy is a flawed argument. He opined democracy is not measured solely by the number of opposition seats but by the competency, accountability, and transparency of GPS leaders in the progress, development, stability, and prosperity of Sarawak, while caring for the welfare of its people. He opined Singapore's political scenario is irrelevant because the foreign country's political system is fundamentally different. 'The 10 seats won by the Opposition in Singapore exists in a tightly controlled political environment where Opposition voices are often stifled by legal and systemic barriers. 'In contrast, Sarawak's democracy is organic and GPS's dominance reflects public confidence, not suppression,' he said. Yap stressed GPS' overwhelming mandate was a result of proven governance reflected in unprecedented infrastructural development, rural electrification, as well as socially inclusive and visionary economic policies that benefit all Sarawakians regardless of race or religion. He said GPS, unlike DAP, is a homegrown coalition that prioritises Sarawak's interests and legitimate rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963, Oil Mining Ordinance 1958, and Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016. He labelled DAP as a peninsula-based party with little understanding of Sarawak's unique needs. 'The suggestion that GPS operates without oversight is also false. We have institutions like the federal Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and DAP is part of the federal government with over 40 parliamentary seats. 'Accountability is ensured through internal party discipline whereby GPS leaders are answerable to party mechanisms and to their constituents, not to mention the freedom of the press to expose any wrongdoings,' he said. As such, Yap said Sarawak 'does not need DAP's brand of opposition' and called on Sarawakians to remain united under GPS since the coalition government has delivered results. 'Sarawakians want development, unity, and progress, not DAP's political theatrics,' he added. DAP Sarawak gps lead Wilfred Yap
Daily Express
03-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Petronas using 'every trick under the sun' to undermine Sarawak's rights
Published on: Saturday, May 03, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 03, 2025 Text Size: Bernama KUCHING: Political analyst Dato Peter Minos has accused Petronas of using 'every trick under the sun' to weaken Sarawak's control over its oil and gas resources, describing the national oil company's alleged tactics as unacceptable, DayakDaily reported. Minos said attempts to use the 'flawed' Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA74) to erase Sarawak's rights, along with pressure campaigns against the State and its energy company Petros, must be opposed. 'Using flawed PDA74 to erase our rights is simply unacceptable. Applying pressure on Sarawak by underhanded tactics, like threats and press war, is also unacceptable,' he was quoted as saying. He stressed that oil and gas within Sarawak's territory and continental shelf rightfully belong to the State, under the Oil Mining Ordinance 1958 and by natural rights. 'We are not asking for the moon. We just want a bit more from our own oil and gas resources,' said Minos, urging Petronas to treat Sarawak with fairness. While acknowledging Petronas' role in national development, Minos reaffirmed the priority of Sarawak's rights. He called on Sarawakians to stand behind Petros in defending those rights. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
