KUCHING: Negotiations between national oil corporation PETRONAS and state-owned Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros) are expected to be resolved soon, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said there were positive developments in the talks between both parties.
"I have received the latest report and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has been assisting in the technical committee.
"I hope that we can reach a final resolution soon, so that PETRONAS and Petros can lift the economy of Sarawak and Malaysia," he said at the state Gawai dinner here on Sunday (June 21) night.
Anwar said both he and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg remained committed to their joint declaration signed last year to respect all federal and state laws relating to oil and gas, as well as for PETRONAS and Petros to work together.
He said it was important for the usses between both parties to be speedily resolved for the continued development of the nation's oil and gas resources.
"Both myself and the Premier have emphasised to PETRONAS and Petros the need to focus on common interests, close cooperation and a win-win situation.
"There is a huge opportunity available and we want this to be resolved fairly, squarely and justly between both parties as a team," he said.
Anwar also reiterated the federal government's commitment to implement the demands enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
He cited the handover of Bintulu Port to Sarawak as a mark of Putrajaya's commitment and confidence in Sarawak's leadership and capabilities.
"In all my years as Finance Minister, I've never visited a state and received funds. Usually they will ask for funds.
"But today I received a cheque for RM1.8bil. This is the first time and so I feel very excited," he joked.
He was referring to the cheque handover ceremony for Bintulu Port earlier on Sunday.
The federal and state governments had earlier agreed in principle on a valuation of RM1.8bil for Sarawak's acquisition of the port.
