KUCHING: The establishment of Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (PETROS) has been described as the state’s biggest achievement to date in its bid to reclaim its rights and privileges which were affected following the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
The success is also deemed to have strengthened the relationship between the federal and state governments through the negotiations which had previously taken place, especially on the restoration of state rights and devolution of power.
Sarawak Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Abang Openg, said with the success, Sarawak now holds full rights to the state’s natural resources, including its oil and gas industry.
He said the prime minister (Datuk Seri Najib Razak) had agreed to return the righrts to the state government in accordance with the Federal Constitution, and that this will herald even greater prosperity for Sarawak and its people.
“The establishment of PETROS is significant in our efforts to pursue this (restoring state rights), including the devolution of power.
“To Datuk Seri Najib (Razak), thank you for your constant attention and the priority given to the needs of this state and the ‘Anak Sarawak’ (people of Sarawak), including his dedication towards finding ways to restore the rights which had been inadvertenrly eroded before,” he said.
Abang Johari, who is also Sarawak’s Economic Planning and Natural Resources Minister, was speaking at the PETROS officiation ceremony at a hotel here, tonight.
Also present were Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and PETROS chairman, Tan Sri Hamid Bugo.
At the same event, Abang Johari also announced Bidayuh corporate figure, Saau Kakok, as PETROS chief executive.
Abang Johari expressed confidence that Saau, with his 40-year-experience in the oil and gas industry, will successfully steer PETROS to greater heights.
Abang Johari said PETROS’ establishment will also open a new chapter in Sarawak’s oil and gas industry, thus bringing a positive impact on the economy and state’s development.
“PETROS’ establishment can strengthen the state’s position as a major player in the national oil and gas industry. PETROS has also established a strategic cooperation with Petronas to ensure that the state’s petroleum industry remains successful, on top of contributing to Sarawak’s economy.