Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has revealed that he held discussions with Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg regarding matters involving PETRONAS and the state-owned oil and gas company, Petros.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Anwar said the talks were conducted based on principles that had been previously agreed upon. He added that further discussions will be held once the Sarawak Premier returns from his official visit to London, United Kingdom.
He also called on all parties to refrain from taking any action or making public statements on the matter in the meantime, in the interest of all involved.
The ongoing discussions between the federal government and the Sarawak state administration over the roles and responsibilities of PETRONAS and Petros are part of broader efforts to address long-standing concerns regarding the equitable management of Malaysia’s oil and gas resources.
These negotiations are particularly significant to Sarawak, which has consistently advocated for greater autonomy and control over its natural resources under the framework of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Ensuring a balanced and fair arrangement between PETRONAS, the national oil company, and Petros, Sarawak’s state-owned entity, is seen as a crucial step toward fostering stronger federal-state relations and achieving long-term economic sustainability for the region.
The outcome of these talks may set an important precedent for future federal engagements with resource-rich states in Malaysia.
Shahriena Shukri is a journalist covering business and economic news in Malaysia, providing insights on market trends, corporate developments, and financial policies. More about Shahriena Shukri.
