SARAWAK Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg has said he will leave it entirely to the courts to decide on Petronas’s reported application seeking legal clarity on the regulation of the petroleum industry in Sarawak.
He stressed that the issue involves both the federal and state governments, making it appropriate for the courts to serve as the arbiter in determining the direction and resolution of the matter.
“I have no comment. They want instructions or ‘direction’ from the court, so let the court decide,” he said when speaking to the media after the Premier of Sarawak’s 2026 Address at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching on Thursday.
Abang Johari described the application as a normal step taken by any party seeking legal clarification, particularly in matters touching on jurisdiction and shared interests.
“Normally, they may ask for direction from the court. However, it does not have a major impact,” he said.
He added that, ultimately, all parties must arrive at the best and clearest solution in accordance with the legal principles applied in the country.
“What is important is clarity. We have the rule of law, so we follow it,” he said.
Commenting on the future relationship and cooperation between Petronas and Petroleum Sarawak Bhd following the court’s decision, Abang Johari said this would depend entirely on the outcome of the judgment.
“Wait for the court’s decision, which will determine it,” he said.
He reiterated that the Sarawak government would continue to respect the legal process and would await the court’s ruling as the definitive guide in determining the next steps in managing and regulating the state’s petroleum resources. - January 13, 2026
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