Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says he has no problem with Sabah demanding the same kind of arrangement that was granted to Sarawak, including greater control over its petroleum resources.
Anwar said such matters must be pursued through negotiation — not provocation — and that he is ready to engage with Sabah’s leadership if the request is made.
“Why give it to Sarawak and not yet to Sabah? I have no problem at all. We negotiated. I have no issue giving Sabah the same priority — including on oil and gas,” he said.
Anwar said the federal government’s settlement with Sarawak was achieved through formal negotiations between Petronas and Sarawak’s state-owned oil and gas company, Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros).
He confirmed that he personally stepped in to ensure the matter was resolved amicably.
“At the end of the day, I asked the ministers to sit down, and I myself negotiated directly with Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg,” he said.
“We settled it in a way that respected the national interest, the federal framework under the Petroleum Development Act 1974, and Sarawak’s rights,” he added.
The deal allowed Petros to take a lead role in regulating and commercially managing Sarawak’s oil and gas resources, while maintaining Petronas’ role as the national oil company.
Anwar said similar negotiations could take place with Sabah — but warned against raising the issue through political grandstanding.
“That’s the harmony we created. It doesn’t mean others cannot ask. But don’t act like one state wants to break away. Let’s find solutions — not shout on the streets or play to emotions.”
“You want to raise these issues? No problem. Just don’t make it about popularity,” he said.
He stressed that any resource agreement must ultimately serve the people.
“Let’s sit down and talk — and make sure the benefits reach the people on the ground.”
Calls for a larger share of oil and gas revenue have long featured in Sabah’s political discourse.
The recent deal with Sarawak has renewed public pressure for Sabah to receive similar recognition under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Anwar said his government remained committed to unity and institutional reform — but that change must come through respectful engagement.
“Don’t win by shouting and insulting. Win through negotiations that uplift the state and its people.” – May 30, 2025
