KUCHING: The settlement between the Sarawak government and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) over the dispute on oil and gas rights is now in the hands of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, says Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman.
The chief political secretary to the Premier said the Sarawak government has been transparent and assertive regarding the gas distribution dispute, however, the final announcement lies with Anwar.
“The Sarawak government is not keeping people in the dark over the gas distribution dispute, but rather, we have been very vocal in asserting our rights.
“Our position is to leave the announcement to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on the formula of resolution as a matter of respect.
“However, until now, there has been no announcement to resolve this issue. The ball is now in the Prime Minister’s court. If anyone is taking Sarawakians for a ride, it is certainly not the Sarawak government,” Fazzrudin said in a statement today (Dec 27).
He was responding to Sarawak Democratic Action Party chairman Chong Chieng Jen, who had urged Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to disclose details of the resolution between Sarawak and Petronas over the gas distribution issue.
Fazzrudin stressed that Sarawak’s stance is clear: the authority over gas distribution rests with the Sarawak government, and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) is recognised as the sole gas aggregator.
He called on Chong to declare his position on the matter and cooperate with the Sarawak government in urging Putrajaya to provide a solution.
“This is the first time I have heard Chong speak about the gas distribution issue, as he has remained silent while GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) and the Sarawak government have been vocal and relentless in fighting for Sarawak’s rights.
“Perhaps Chong and Sarawak DAP could use their federal connections and ask their party leader YB Anthony Loke (Transport Minister), or even the Prime Minister himself, to resolve this issue.
“This will reflect the sincerity of the DAP in respecting and upholding Sarawak rights as the have claimed to do so many times before,” he said.
On Thursday (Dec 26), Chong called for greater transparency from the Sarawak government and urged the Premier to disclose the terms of the settlement with Petronas. “Sarawak must not be taken for a ride again,” he said.
On Dec 10, Abang Johari revealed that a solution had been reached regarding the dispute, however, he could not disclose the formula.
He said the matter could now be considered resolved, pending an official announcement. He also said the issue was merely a legal matter, with Petronas relying on the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA), and Sarawak on the Oil and Mining Ordinance 1958 (OMO).
