(Kuching, 11th) The Sarawak government has emphasized that the court’s final ruling on the RM120 million fine imposed on five subsidiaries of Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) does not merely have financial implications, but also concerns confidence in the rule of law and the overall stability of Sarawak's business environment.
According to the Sarawak Public Communications Unit, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali pointed out that the case should be handled through judicial procedures without interference, as justice must be upheld through proper legal channels.
She called on the public to remain patient while the case is still under review, and to avoid speculation, noting that excessive commentary could affect the judicial process.
She told the media on Tuesday (Feb 10), after officiating the handing-over ceremony of aid funds for the SABERKAS Women’s Bureau at Rumah Seri Kenangan Kuching, Batu 12: “Let the judicial process take its natural course. The outcome of the ruling will determine the next course of action. I hope the public will not make assumptions or speculations.”
The five PETRONAS subsidiaries involved in the case are Malaysia LNG Sdn Bhd, Malaysia LNG Dua Sdn Bhd, Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd, Malaysia LNG Tiga Sdn Bhd, and Petronas LNG 9 Sdn Bhd. The companies are alleged to have operated in Sarawak without obtaining operating licenses as required by the 2016 Distribution of Gas Ordinance (DGO).
A total of eight notices were issued by the authorities, with each company fined RM15 million, even though the maximum penalty for each violation allowed by the ordinance is RM20 million.
Last Friday, the Kuching High Court, after confirming that there were still certain legal issues requiring further submission, set the next case management date for March 2.
Despite differing opinions on certain matters, Sharifah Hasidah emphasized that relations between the federal government and the Sarawak government remain harmonious.
She said: “Differences of opinion are normal. What’s important is that both sides can handle issues with maturity and prudence, prioritizing the interests of the people and the development of the state.”
According to the Sarawak Public Communications Unit, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali pointed out that the case should be handled through judicial procedures without interference, as justice must be upheld through proper legal channels.
She told the media on Tuesday (Feb 10), after officiating the handing-over ceremony of aid funds for the SABERKAS Women’s Bureau at Rumah Seri Kenangan Kuching, Batu 12: “Let the judicial process take its natural course. The outcome of the ruling will determine the next course of action. I hope the public will not make assumptions or speculations.”
The five PETRONAS subsidiaries involved in the case are Malaysia LNG Sdn Bhd, Malaysia LNG Dua Sdn Bhd, Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd, Malaysia LNG Tiga Sdn Bhd, and Petronas LNG 9 Sdn Bhd. The companies are alleged to have operated in Sarawak without obtaining operating licenses as required by the 2016 Distribution of Gas Ordinance (DGO).
A total of eight notices were issued by the authorities, with each company fined RM15 million, even though the maximum penalty for each violation allowed by the ordinance is RM20 million.
Last Friday, the Kuching High Court, after confirming that there were still certain legal issues requiring further submission, set the next case management date for March 2.
Despite differing opinions on certain matters, Sharifah Hasidah emphasized that relations between the federal government and the Sarawak government remain harmonious.
She said: “Differences of opinion are normal. What’s important is that both sides can handle issues with maturity and prudence, prioritizing the interests of the people and the development of the state.”