THE opposition has been urged not to politicise the joint declaration between the federal government and Sarawak on matters involving PETROS and PETRONAS.
Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Youth Central Chairman, Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee, said the Democratic Action Party (DAP) has shown no interest in the real facts and Sarawak’s achievements.
He said instead of recognising the state’s progress in asserting its regulatory rights, the opposition continues to stir unnecessary political narratives over a resolved issue.
“The DAP is being irresponsible and trying to politicise matters already made clear by both federal and state governments,” he told a press conference at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) complex here today.
The Pelawan assemblyman said SUPP believes the joint declaration had successfully solved the disputes over the governance of oil and gas distribution within Sarawak.
He asserted that the understanding has cleared doubts surrounding the Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016 and Petros’ role as sole gas aggregator.
Citing Utility and Telecommunication Minister, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, in his ministerial winding-up speech at the august House on Monday, Tiang asserted that all agreements and arrangements involving natural gas in Sarawak must align with PETROS’ authority as the state’s gas aggregator.
He added that all industry players, including PETRONAS, must respect Section 7 of the ordinance and apply for a licence to operate.
“This is another milestone for Sarawak and our people.
“SUPP firmly commended both our Prime Minister and Premier for their wisdom and firm stand to reach this understanding and agreement for the way forward,” he said.
Similarly, SUPP Public Complaints Bureau Chief, Wilfred Yap Yau Sin, asserted that SUPP does not agree with DAP Sarawak Chairman, Chong Chieng Jen’s suggestion for Sarawak to demand a 30 per cent equity stake in PETRONAS.
“That proposal is populist and ignores the legal complexities surrounding PETRONAS as a federally owned entity under federal jurisdiction,” he said.
He stressed that Sarawak’s interests are better served through enforceable regulatory power rather than speculative equity demands.
He said that the party fully supports the joint declaration as a practical and timely solution.
“All our SUPP YBs fully support the declaration, recognising its political expediency while ensuring Sarawak’s regulatory control is not compromised,” he added.
Yap said the understanding reflects a matured partnership between federal and state governments in upholding Sarawak’s rights under the federal constitution.
“The declaration affirms that exemptions for PETRONAS to carry out oil and gas activities in Sarawak are not automatic.
“Instead, PETRONAS is required to apply for approval from the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication, particularly for activities that do not overlap with or conflict with PETROS’ role as the sole gas aggregator for gas exploited within Sarawak,” he said.
The Kota Sentosa assemblyman described the joint declaration as a “win-win formula” that strengthens Sarawak’s autonomy in managing its oil and gas resources.
