KUCHING: Sarawak will leave it to the Federal Court to decide on the applicable regulatory framework governing PETRONAS' operations in the state, says Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
"I have no comment. They are seeking direction from the court, so let the court decide," he told reporters after his annual address to the civil service here on Tuesday (Jan 13).
Whatever the outcome, he said it would not have a big impact on the state.
"At the end of the day, you have to find a solution, so they (PETRONAS) are seeking clarity," he said, adding that Sarawak would comply with the rule of law.
ALSO READ: PETRONAS wants Federal Court to clarify regulatory framework in Sarawak operations
On Monday (Jan 12), PETRONAS said it had filed a motion at the Federal Court in Putrajaya to determine the legal position of its operations in Sarawak to ensure that the company continues to operate in full compliance with the applicable laws and sound governance practices.
The Federal and Sarawak governments were named as respondents.
PETRONAS said the court action was not intended to challenge Sarawak's development aspirations or hinder the role of Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) in the state's energy sector.
"The decision follows constructive engagements since 2024 with Petros and both the Federal and state governments through a series of dialogues and negotiations.
"While progress has been made on many commercial arrangements and partnerships – including the signing of Commercial Settlement Agreement (CSA) in 2020 – there have been differences which led to uncertainty in respect of the obligations applicable to PETRONAS," it said.
