SUBANG JAYA: Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS) should be recognised as a national oil company instead of a “semenanjung” company as outlined under the Petroleum Development Act 1947, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said at the moment both Sarawak and the Federal Government are in agreement about the roles of PETRONAS and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) in the oil and gas industry in the region.
"It's not a peninsula company. I've made it clear, there's no two-ways about it.
"It is therefore crucial for PETRONAS to be recognised as a national oil company, one that honours all contractual obligations without compromise,” he said during an interview with chief editors on Saturday (Dec 21).
"And it is also important for PETRONAS to recognise the need to support Petros and to allow it to emerge as an important player," said Anwar.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said in the case of new contracts, PETRONAS and Petros must work together.
"I think these are essentially the broad parameters. They recognise the national rules. We recognise the state rules and we should work together.
Sarawak had previously decided that Petros, its state-owned petroleum company, would take over all natural gas trading activities in the state from July 1.
PETRONAS requested a postponement, citing concerns over the impact on gas distribution to the LNG plant in Bintulu.
In July, Sarawak granted PETRONAS a three-month extension to finalise the supervisory arrangement for gas distribution in the state with Petros.
