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BBC News
6 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
BBC World Questions arrives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
On Tuesday 10 June, BBC World Questions will come to Malaysia to debate the country's political and economic future in the country's cosmopolitan capital, Kuala Lumpur. The former Prime Minister is in jail for corruption; the new PM has promised an ethical society, but does Malaysia have the institutions to deliver that? US tech money has poured into the country, but as President Trump's tariffs prepare to bite, should Malaysia look to China or to the West as its key strategic partner? Petrol prices, freedom of speech and institutional reform are all big issues in this dynamic trading nation. Jonny Dymond is joined by a panel of political leaders to debate important questions raised by a live audience in Kuala Lumpur for World Questions Malaysia. The panel will include: Senator Dr Fuziah Salleh - Secretary General of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and Deputy Minister for Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Dr Tricia Yeoh - Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Nottingham Malaysia's School of Politics and International Relations Wan Ahmad Fayhsal – MP, Bersatu Party and former Deputy Minister of National Unity Other panellists to be announced shortly. Gwenan Roberts, Commissioning Editor, BBC World Service English, says: 'We are delighted to bring BBC World Questions to Malaysia at such a pivotal time, as the country grapples with complex questions about political reform, economic direction, and national identity. This programme is all about giving people a voice on the issues that matter most to them - and we're excited to hear directly from Malaysians about the country's future.' The programme will be recorded in front of a live audience on Tuesday 10 June at the Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC). There will be a reception beforehand with refreshments starting at 6.00pm. For members of the public, register to be in the audience on the BBC Shows and Tours website. For press accreditation please contact: BBC World Questions: Malaysia will be first broadcast on World Service English on Saturday 14 June. It will be available online, on BBC Sounds and on most other podcast platforms. It is produced by Charlie Taylor. Listen to World Questions on BBC Sounds About BBC World Service BBC World Service delivers news content around the world in English and 41 other language services, on radio, TV, and digital. BBC World Service reaches a weekly audience of 320m (BBC Global Audience Measure 2024). BBC World Service English is an English-language radio and online network that broadcasts internationally. BBC World Service English reaches a weekly audience of 84m (2024), broadcasting news and current affairs programmes, documentaries and podcasts. For more information, visit RD
Malaysian Reserve
23-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Wan Ahmad Fayhsal calls for clarity on Petronas-Petros roles in federal govt-Sarawak agreement
by NURUL NAJMIN ABU BAKAR PARTI Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia leader Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal is calling for greater clarity on the ongoing discussions between the federal government and Sarawak regarding the roles of Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) and Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros). The Machang MP said that the recent joint statement between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier Tan Seri Abang Johari Openg represents a positive step towards a more constructive and equitable dialogue. However, the implementation of the agreement remains unclear, particularly on how the Petroleum Development Act (PDA) and the Sarawak Distribution of Gas Ordinance (DGO) are expected to 'co-exist'. 'What does it actually mean for the PDA and DGO to 'co-exist'? If Petronas no longer needs to obtain a licence but must apply for an exemption, how will this be implemented in practice? 'Clarity on these matters is critical to ensure the arrangement is substantive and not merely symbolic,' he said in a statement. The joint statement issued on May 21 noted the shared role of Petronas and Petros in Sarawak's energy landscape. Abang Johari said Petronas and its subsidiaries are no longer required to obtain operating licences from the Sarawak government to operate in the state. He said while Petros is formally recognised as the sole gas aggregator in Sarawak under the joint statement, the authority to issue operating licences remains with the state's Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication. Wan Ahmad Fayhsal stressed that while Sarawak's aspiration for greater control over its natural resources is valid, Petronas continues to play a vital strategic and economic role for Malaysia.
Free Malaysia Today
23-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Clarity needed in Petronas-Petros talks, says Wan Fayhsal
Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal said Sarawak's need for greater control over its natural resources must be balanced with Petronas's vital strategic and economic role for the entire nation. PETALING JAYA : Clarity is needed in the ongoing discussions between the federal government and Sarawak on Petronas and Petros, says Bersatu man Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal. In a statement today, the Machang MP said while their recent joint declaration marks a step forward in establishing more constructive and equitable dialogue, the core question remains in its implementation. 'What does it mean, in concrete terms, to 'harmonise' the Petroleum Development Act 1974 with Sarawak's Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016? 'If Petronas no longer requires a licence but must seek an exemption, how will this work in practice? 'Clarity on such issues is essential to ensure the arrangement is meaningful and not merely symbolic,' he said. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg signed a joint declaration, reaching an understanding on matters involving Petronas and Petros. Abang Johari said yesterday that Petronas and its subsidiaries are not required to obtain operating licences from the Sarawak government to operate in the state. He said while Petros has been formally recognised as the sole gas aggregator in Sarawak under the joint declaration, the authority to issue operating licences remains with Sarawak's utility and telecommunication ministry. Wan Fayhsal said while Sarawak's aspirations for greater control over its natural resources are entirely legitimate, Petronas plays a vital strategic and economic role for the entire nation. 'Any framework must therefore be commercially, legally and technically sound to ensure long-term sustainability for both Sarawak and Malaysia, as a whole,' he said.
Borneo Post
02-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak defending rights, not weakening Petronas, SUPP sec-gen tells Machang MP
Ting says the issue at hand is not about oil royalties, but about Sarawak's constitutional rights under the MA63. – Photo by Chimon Upon MIRI (May 2): Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Secretary-General Datuk Sebastian Ting has rebuked Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal for suggesting that Sarawak is weakening the national oil company Petronas. He said the issue at hand is not about oil royalties, but about Sarawak's constitutional rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). 'We strongly resent his so-called warning against any move to weaken was unnecessary from the Machang MP and it sounded unfriendly and confrontational,' he said in a statement today. Ting was responding to a report yesterday in which Wan Ahmad Fayhsal warned against any effort that could undermine Petronas, citing its critical role in Malaysia's economic development. Wan Ahmad Fayhsal had also called for a win-win approach to oil-related disputes and proposed strengthening the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA) to preserve Petronas' position as a key national asset. 'Whatever the issues may be, they must be discussed at the negotiating table. The solution must be a win-win proposal and must not weaken Petronas at any cost. 'If the issue concerns royalties, then we need to find ways for Petronas to increase its revenue and profits so that it can contribute more to states like Sarawak, Sabah, Terengganu and Kelantan,' he said, according to Free Malaysia Today yesterday . However, Ting stressed that the core issue is not royalties, but Petronas' refusal to recognise Sarawak's Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016 — a law rooted in the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report 1963, which recommended extending the state's legislative power to cover electricity and gas distribution. 'Sarawak has executive powers over Gas Distribution in Sarawak under this recommendation of the IGC, where the Malayan Government's representatives were included, was implemented by the Borneo States (Legislative Powers) Ordinance, 1963 made the Yang Di-pertuan Agong pursuant to Article 95C of the Federal Constitution. 'The basis for any resolution is for Petronas and the federal government to honour a fundamental agreement for Sarawak forming the federation, that is, the legislative and executive powers over gas distribution in Sarawak belong to the Sarawak. 'There is no dispute over oil royalties but the misunderstanding arises from Petronas refusal to respect a law that Sarawak was authorised to pass under the Borneo States (Legislative Powers) Order, 1963. 'Sarawak cannot and must not compromise on rights which were accorded to Sarawak at the formation of Malaysia,' he said. He further clarified that Sarawak has no intention of weakening Petronas, noting that the company's strength lies in its management, not in denying Sarawak its rightful powers. Ting also criticised Petronas for continuing to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) — 94 per cent of which is produced in Sarawak — to countries like Japan and Korea, leaving limited resources for local industrial development and electricity generation. He said the appointment of Sarawak-owned Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) as the state's gas aggregator was aimed at ensuring fair and affordable domestic gas allocation, attracting investors, and realising Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's vision of Sarawak as a regional energy hub for Asean. To strengthen its financial and commercial position, Petronas should support and participate in the Sarawak Gas Roadmap, which was presented to the Prime Minister on April 19, 2025, Ting suggested. 'The Sarawak government is willing to collaborate with Petronas in the implementation of the Gas Roadmap, development of stranded gas fields with high CO2 with carbon capture and storage projects offshore Sarawak. 'While Petronas may have to lose its downstream business of gas distribution in Sarawak, it has more to gain through collaboration with Petros and Sarawak Government in the various clean energy and power generation projects in Sarawak, including generation of electricity for transmission over to Peninsular Malaysia,' he said. Ting warned that continued disregard for Sarawak's laws and obstruction of its development efforts would not strengthen the national economy nor advance Malaysia's clean energy ambitions, but instead harm Petronas' own interests. 'The Premier of Sarawak (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) has called for respect for both federal and state laws and for both laws to co-exist. 'That must be the platform for an amicable resolution of the present dispute caused by Petronas' refusal to abide by State laws,' Ting said. lead MA63 Petronas Petros Sebastian Ting
Free Malaysia Today
02-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Weaker Petronas undermines Malaysia's geoeconomic strength, says Wan Fayshal
Petronas, one of the world's leading oil companies, operates in over 50 countries, with major oil, gas and LNG projects across Africa, South America, Canada and the Asia-Pacific. (Reuters pic) PETALING JAYA : While the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA) has provided a solid foundation for generating revenue to support national development, emerging geoeconomic challenges—including Donald Trump's trade war—necessitate its further strengthening, says an opposition leader. Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal said Petronas, as Malaysia's leading geoeconomic institution, requires strong backing to sustain its pivotal role as a long-term global player, over and above its role in contributing to the treasury. 'Petronas doesn't just generate revenue for the country, it has also developed talent, expertise, and strong diplomatic channels for Malaysia to expand abroad. Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal. 'It is the only homegrown multinational corporation (MNC) to have grown into a transnational corporation, with operations in more than 50 countries, and is one of the most important sources of revenue for our country,' he told FMT. He said Petronas has also created numerous opportunities for other Malaysian businesses by introducing them to new markets. 'Petronas is not content with just being a local player as they have proven their worth in playing in bigger fields outside, such as Africa and South America. 'Whenever Petronas expands abroad, it also opens doors for our SMEs to penetrate those markets because we have a national champion acting as our 'battering ram', pushing Malaysia's interests aggressively overseas,' he said. Petronas operates in over 50 countries, with major oil, gas and LNG projects across Africa, South America, Canada and the Asia-Pacific, cementing its reputation as one of the world's leading national oil companies. Its extensive network of businesses and continued growth, coupled with a strict adherence to corporate governance requirements, has put it at No.167 on the Global Fortune 500 list, the only Malaysian company to make the cut. Regional significance Wan Fayhsal said the appreciation for Petronas's geoeconomic value extends beyond Malaysia to other Asean nations. 'As a former Petronas staff member, I know that when Indonesia faced the 1998 financial crisis, Petronas was one of the institutions that stepped in to help. 'The country (Indonesia) was hit hard, and Dr Mahathir Mohamad, (the late) Daim Zainuddin, and other Cabinet members (at the time) leveraged Petronas's resources to assist, including through the purchase of food supplies for our Indonesian neighbours,' he said. Wan Fayhsal said this was one example of how Petronas's contributions have gone beyond Malaysia's borders to benefit the wider region. He said the success of Petronas abroad has also enhanced Asean's reputation globally. 'When foreign businesses become familiar with Malaysian companies like Petronas, they are also more likely to engage with (our) Asean counterparts,' he said. Wan Fayhsal said Petronas has set a strong standard and model for Asean companies, demonstrating the region's potential to compete on the global stage.
