BY NURA V LORNA
KUCHING: Satok assemblyman Datuk Ibrahim Baki’s appointment as Deputy Minister for Utility (Sarawak Energy Berhad and PETROS) is a strategic move to strengthen Sarawak’s gas industry, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said Ibrahim’s legal, corporate, and concessional expertise would be crucial in advancing Sarawak’s gas roadmap and ensuring the state’s interests in negotiations with Petronas.
“Ibrahim has that advantage — he was a Petronas scholar, a legal officer in Petronas, and has served on its board.
“With this background, he can assist Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi in coordinating and engaging with Petronas,” he said.
He told the media after the Oath of Office for Deputy Ministers ceremony at Astana Negeri Sarawak today.
Abang Johari added that Sarawak’s negotiations with Petronas remain ongoing, and Ibrahim will play a key role in representing the state under the commercial agreement between Petronas and PETROS.
Ibrahim’s appointment comes as part of a minor Cabinet reshuffle aimed at enhancing service delivery and fortifying Sarawak’s position in the energy sector.
The reshuffle also saw Pantai Damai assemblyman Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi been reassigned as Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Office, overseeing Project Coordination for Regional Development Agencies, Dewan Bandaraya Kuching Utara, and Islamic Affairs.
Abang Johari said the reshuffle aligns with the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government’s commitment to strengthen Sarawak’s energy sector, particularly in renewable energy, as the state pushes to become Asean’s green energy hub.
“Our priority is to develop our energy sector strategically to meet both national and regional demands. Sarawak Energy Berhad plays a crucial role in this, especially in the expansion of renewable energy, including hydrogen,” he said.
“It will also help us better strategise efforts towards achieving Sarawak’s vision of becoming a developed, high-income region under Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030,” he added.
