LONDON: Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, revealed that he received a phone call from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Saturday (local time), signalling a renewed commitment to finding an equitable and amicable resolution to the ongoing matters involving Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) and the State of Sarawak in the oil and gas sector.

Speaking during the Sarawak Agenda Townhall session held in conjunction with 'Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak 2025' – United Kingdom (UK) Edition, the Premier stated that discussions are moving forward based on a win-win approach for both Sarawak and Petronas.

“In this oil and gas matter, we’ve been tactfully ‘playing ball’ with Petronas for a while now.

“By now, I am sure many of you are aware of the latest developments surrounding this issue.

“However, we are working towards resolving it. In fact, the Prime Minister personally contacted me this morning (Saturday, London time), and we reached a mutual understanding to move towards a resolution.

“This solution will be based on mutual goodwill and the belief that the nation’s oil and gas wealth should be shared fairly. Sarawak has fulfilled its responsibilities,” he said.

In a related development, the Premier also highlighted the Sarawak Government’s focus on strengthening the state’s economic foundation, particularly through the establishment of the Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Future Fund, which has been allocated RM8 billion in reserves.

He explained that once Sarawak’s economic stability reaches a strong and sustainable level, the benefits of this growth will be channelled back to the people through a well-planned and inclusive economic development strategy.

“Our current focus is on consolidating the state’s economic base.

“Once we have achieved solid economic stability, the returns will be distributed to the people through a structured and comprehensive approach across all sectors,” he said.

Also present at the session were Sarawak Deputy Premiers, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and Federal-State Relations), Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, Deputy Minister for Utilities (Sarawak Energy Berhad and PETROS), Dato Ibrahim Baki; Sarawak Attorney-General, Dato Sri Saferi Ali, Sarawak Financial Secretary, Dato Sri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Economic Planning and Development), Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel and the Premier’s Chief Political Secretary, Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, who moderated the townhall session.

Approximately 230 Sarawakian students from the United Kingdom, Germany, and France participated in the 'Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak 2025 UK Edition' programme. -UKASnews