KUCHING, Dec 27 — Sarawak Premier’s Chief Political Secretary, Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, has clarified that the responsibility to disclose details regarding the Sarawak-PETRONAS gas distribution resolution lies with Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, not Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
This follows Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen’s recent call for the Premier to provide updates on the matter, highlighting a lack of public information two weeks after the announcement.
Fazzrudin stressed that the Sarawak government has been transparent about asserting the State’s rights over gas distribution. However, as a gesture of respect, the Sarawak government has deferred the announcement to the prime minister.
“The Sarawak government is clear in its stance. The authority over gas distribution rests with the State, and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) is the recognised sole gas aggregator,” Fazzrudin stated.
He pointed out that the delay in updates is due to the lack of announcements from the federal government. “The ball is now in the prime minister’s court,” he remarked.
Chong Urged to Pressure Federal Government
Fazzrudin challenged Chong to declare his stance on the issue and work with Sarawak to press Putrajaya for a resolution. He also urged Chong and Sarawak DAP to leverage their federal connections to seek updates directly from DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke or the prime minister.
“This will demonstrate DAP’s sincerity in respecting and upholding Sarawak’s rights,” Fazzrudin added, noting that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has consistently fought for the State’s autonomy.
