KUCHING: The court decision involving Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) does not affect the Sarawak government’s petition filed at the Federal Court.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali said the public must understand that the court ruling in the commercial dispute between the two companies is separate and unrelated to the legal action initiated by the state government.
“The PETROS and PETRONAS case is a commercial matter brought by the two companies themselves, and the court’s decision is one that we, as citizens, must respect.
“However, it has no connection and does not give any effect to the petition we have filed at the Federal Court,” she said when met by reporters during the handover ceremony of the Taman Sukma Community Hall project here on Wednesday (Feb 25).
Sharifah Hasidah explained that the dispute between PETROS and PETRONAS concerns commercial issues, whereas the state government’s petition seeks legal interpretation and clarity on jurisdiction between the Sarawak and federal governments.
“Our petition is to obtain legal clarity on the rights and jurisdiction between the state and the federation.
“Therefore, the two matters are entirely different in scope and purpose, and the commercial court decision will not influence our petition,” she said.
She added that the Sarawak government remains committed to pursuing the ongoing legal process through proper channels to ensure the state’s rights are clearly defined, particularly in relation to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), and to prevent confusion among the public.
Meanwhile, Sharifah Hasidah, who is also Samariang assemblywoman, described the RM4.9 million Taman Sukma Community Hall project as a people-centric initiative reflecting the government’s commitment to community development across Sarawak without neglecting any area.
She said the new facility will benefit residents by providing a modern venue for community programmes, meetings and social activities.
The hall is equipped with a meeting room, a general office and facilities for persons with disabilities (OKU) to ensure comfort and accessibility for users.
Also present was Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) Datuk Hilmy Othman.
