KUCHING: The collaboration between Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros) and PETRONAS should be finalised swiftly, says Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
The Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri said this would benefit the development of the oil and gas industry in Sarawak for the mutual prosperity of the state and nation.
"I'm thankful that the Prime Minister and Federal Government have agreed to the Sarawak government's move to appoint Petros as the sole gas aggregator in the state under the Distribution of Gas Ordinance," he said while opening the Sarawak Legislative Assembly's first meeting this year on Monday (May 19).
Wan Junaidi said Sarawak has the executive and legislative power to make state laws on electricity and gas distribution.
He said this aligns with the recommendation of the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report 1962, implemented through the Borneo States (Legislative Power) Order 1963 made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in accordance with Article 95C of the Federal Constitution.
"This constitutional right should be respected to enable Petros to carry out its gas aggregator role and ensure that the development of the gas industry in Sarawak contributes to the national and state economy," he said.
Last week, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said an agreement involving Petros and PETRONAS would be announced soon, which would recognise both federal and state laws and acknowledge Petros as the sole gas aggregator in Sarawak.
He said Sarawak would also increase its stake in liquefied natural gas through a commercial agreement.
Wan Junaidi also expressed appreciation for the close ties between the Federal and Sarawak governments, saying various issues involving Sarawak's rights and interests had been resolved as a result.
"I hope all of Sarawak's demands enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963, IGC Report, and Federal and state constitutions can be resolved speedily to benefit the state and nation.
"I also urge the Federal Government to fulfil its responsibility towards the socioeconomic development and security of Sarawak," he said.
Earlier, Wan Junaidi inspected a guard of honour comprising 105 police personnel during the opening parade.
They were accompanied by a police band which played the national and state anthems.
Before the Head of State's opening address, the state assembly observed a minute's silence for the late former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and former Serian MP Datuk Amar Dominic Dago Randan.
