"Some people assume that Petronas' legal action may have been 'approved' by PMX" says Abdullah Saidol

KUCHING, Feb 1 2026:  Petroliam Nasional Berhad's (Petronas) legal action in bringing up issue of clarification on the regulatory framework applicable to the company's petroleum operations in Sarawak has raised political suspicions.

Abdullah Saidol: Sometimes, our suspicions arise because in the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA 74), the individuals responsible for the court's decision have great influence, including links to Petronas - Picture by Ukas

Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and Ukas),  Abdullah Saidol said that although this matter was brought to court, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and the state government allowed the court to make a decision and any assumptions outside the court should be ignored.

According to him, the action of bringing this matter to court was an initiative of Petronas, and not the state government.

"Sometimes, our suspicions arise because in the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA 74), the individuals responsible for the court's decision have great influence, including links to Petronas,” he said, quoted by Ukas, at a press conference  after a 'Walk For Health' with Premier Abang Johari Openg at the Sarawak Botanical Gardens, Petra Jaya, this morning.

"In fact, the prime minister himself has links to PDA 74, so some people assume that Petronas' action may have been 'approved' by him,” referring to Anwar Ibrahim.

"This is the political suspicion that has arisen, even though we are still in a unity government at the federal level," he said.

However, Abdullah  made it clear that the Sarawak government will continue to cooperate with the federal government until the next state election.

He said his stance is clear that GPS will contest all seats in Sarawak without compromising with any other party, and the final decision will be determined by Abang Johari, who is also PBB president and GPS chairman,

"This is because we are able to manage ourselves and at the same time continue to develop Sarawak without outside interference.

"I also want to advise, especially to certain parties in Malaya who want to stir up trouble, to be careful because when the community is large, it will be difficult to control the situation," he warned.

On Jan 12, Petronas filed a motion at the Federal Court seeking clarity on the legal and regulatory framework governing its operations in Sarawak, naming both the federal and Sarawak state governments as respondents.

The application sought for determination by the Federal Court on the legal position applicable to Petronas’ operations in Sarawak, to ensure that the company continues to operate in full compliance with the applicable laws and sound governance practices.

Highly decorated Amelia Roziman steps down as CEO of Business Events Sarawak

KUCHING, Feb 1 2026: Highly decorated Amelia Roziman has stepped down as chief executive officer (CEO) of Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) effective January 31, 2026, concluding a distinguished 20-year tenure marked by growth, innovation, and long-term impact.

 Amelia Roziman says she will continue to contribute in a different capacity

She is an internationally recognised as a global thought leader and international speaker, including being the first woman in Asia inducted into the Events Industry Council Hall of Leaders (2023), the first Asian and fifth global recipient of The Iceberg Excellence Award (2025), serving on The Iceberg Board of Trustees, and receiving more than 10 professional awards throughout her career.

During her tenure, Sarawak secured 31 destination marketing and innovation awards and achieved a 100 per cent bid win rate since 2022.

Under her leadership, Sarawak emerged as one of the world’s leading destinations for legacy-driven business events, with the sector embedded as a key growth area under the Sarawak government’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).

She also strengthened a whole-of-ecosystem approach that positioned Sarawak as Malaysia and Borneo’s legacy capital for business events.

“Amelia’s legacy is a sector-wide mindset that values innovation, responsibility, and long-term positive impact,” Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said in his speech at a ceremony to bade her farewell.

He said the ministry will continue to support her future endeavours.

Deputy State Secretary Hii Chang Kee said Amelia’s exceptional leadership has strengthened Sarawak’s global standing and positioned BESarawak strongly for its next chapter.

In her farewell speech, Amelia said it has been an honour to work alongside impact-driven leaders who believe in the power of business events to create real change.

“As one of the pioneers of Malaysia’s business events sector, it has been a privilege to witness how the team, industry, and ecosystem have evolved over the years.

“I will continue to contribute in a different capacity, and I sincerely thank everyone for the trust and support given thus far. I look forward to continuing this journey together in the future,” she said.

 

Don't get involved in the appointments of community leaders, headmen, Abun reminds politicians and elected reps

KUCHING, Feb 1 2026: Senator Abun Sui Anyit reiterated his call that politicians and elected representatives should not get involved  in the appointments of community leaders and headmen, saying such interference  is against the customs and traditional of the local communities.

Abun Sui Anyit: The role of the government should be limited to recognising and acknowledging the community's choices, not interfering, manipulating or rejecting the community's decisions.

He said the responsibility of elected representatives is to champion the interests of the people, not to choose who should lead the people at the grassroots level.

“They should respect the community’s choice,” he said when commenting on the grouses expressed by Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president Tiong King Sing that the party’s nominees for the community leaders and headmen were disregarded in Dudong and Bawan Assan.

Tiong, who is also Dudong state legislative member (SLM), blamed SUPP for sidelining PDP’s nominees for the appointments of the community leaders and headmen.

Abun said if the principle of letting the community itself should elect their own grassroots leaders is upheld and implemented honestly and consistently, this issue raised by Tiong would not have arisen at all.

Abun, who is a native rights lawyer, said issued the statement to maintain community harmony, respect local customs, and ensure that politics does not damage the community leadership structure that has long functioned well.

He said his  principle is clear and consistent that community leaders must be elected by the community itself.

“For generations, the community in Sarawak has practised its own customs and traditions in determining who is worthy of leading the community.

“This practice existed long before the modern political system and should be respected without compromise,” he stressed.

He asserted that the role of the government should be limited to recognising and acknowledging the community's choices, not interfering, manipulating or rejecting the community's decisions.

“When the will of the community is set aside, conflict and political tension are inevitable,” he said, urging all parties, regardless of political party, to respect the customs and practices.

He said only then there is no need for disputes, accusations or political influence vying for power in the matter of the appointment of community leaders.

“I am of the view that the standard operating procedures (SOP) currently being practised by the authorities contradicts the customs of the community, and this contradiction is the main cause of the ongoing polemics,” Abun said, adding that politicians and elected representatives should not be involved in determining or influencing the selection of community leaders.