Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim and Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim have urged the government to ensure transparency in negotiations between Petronas and Sarawak’s state-owned oil and gas firm, Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros).
Zaid said discussions should not be confined to private talks between Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg.
“Can we not have a transparent mechanism? Whatever is agreed on, let us know, let us hear. It should not become complicated,” he said in the latest episode of the Zaid Ibrahim Podcast.
Hassan agreed with his former party colleague, warning that secretive deals could fuel public suspicion.
“I agree, this cannot be too secretive. Personally, I am also concerned because the survival of Petronas is crucial, for Sarawak and for all of us,” said the PKR MP.
The two-term MP added that the federal government was in a fragile position compared with previous administrations.
Hassan said the Barisan Nasional government used to be strong under Dr Mahathir Mohamad, but the current federal administration was not in the same position.
“It is dependent on the support of around 23 MPs from (Gabungan Parti) Sarawak, which is a big number. That’s why transparency is important, so that there is no perception of concessions just to maintain stability.”
Zaid said the lack of openness risked leading to “unfair horse trading”, adding that transparency should be demanded of both Petronas and Petros.
Hassan agreed, saying accountability must also apply to Sarawak.
“Since 1963, significant federal allocations have gone to Sarawak. The question is have these been spent in a way that reached the people and helped Sarawak progress, or were there leakages and corruption?
“At certain times, governance in Sarawak did not look good, though perhaps now it has improved.
“At the same time, we must recognise the demands of Sarawakians, that there are provisions in the Federal Constitution which they feel are their rights but the federal government has not fulfilled.”
Zaid suggested setting up a parliamentary caucus involving MPs from both Sarawak and West Malaysia as a platform to allow for proper formal discussions to take place.
Hassan said he would study the proposal, pointing out that the Dewan Rakyat used to have a select committee on federalism in the past.
“For now, the task has been given to deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof, who is in charge of resolving issues relating to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 involving Sabah, Sarawak and the federal government,” he said.
