Nurin Patra & Jacintha Jolene
PETROS’ new role as Sarawak’s exclusive gas aggregator is expected to enhance economic contributions from the state’s gas sector and foster greater cooperation with PETRONAS.
Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, is grateful that Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and the federal government have agreed with the Sarawak Government’s initiative to appoint PETROS as the sole gas aggregator in Sarawak.
The appointment, he said, falls under the Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016, which grants the Sarawak Government executive and legislative powers to enact laws on electricity and gas distribution.
“This is in line with the recommendations of the 1962 Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report, which was implemented through the Borneo States (Legislative Power) Order, 1963, made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong under Article 95C of the Federal Constitution.
“This constitutional right must be respected to enable PETROS to carry out its role as a gas aggregator, in order to ensure that the development of the gas industry in Sarawak continues to contribute to both the national and Sarawak economy,” he said.
He said this in his opening speech when officiating at the First Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 19th State Legislative Assembly (DUN) at DUN complex here today.
Wan Junaidi hoped that the cooperation between PETROS and PETRONAS can be finalised promptly.
“The finalisation will undoubtedly bring many benefits in developing the oil and gas industry value chain in Sarawak, for the shared prosperity of both the nation and Sarawak,” he said.
Earlier, he urge the federal government to fulfill its responsibilities in relation to the economic, social, and security development of Sarawak.
“The sincerity and commitment of Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, through the Malaysia MADANI principle will surely have a positive impact on efforts to foster the spirit of ‘Segulai Sejalai’ towards inclusive development in Sarawak
“I am grateful that the relationship between the federal government and the Sarawak Government is very close,” he said.
He added that many matters have been resolved, particularly those involving the rights and interests of Sarawak
“I am confident that this close relationship will also ensure that Sarawak receives all its entitlements as stipulated in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report, the Federal Constitution, and the Sarawak Constitution,” he added.
He also hoped that all of Sarawak’s claims can be resolved by the federal government promptly so that they will benefit Sarawak and the nation.
