“Jangan takut”: ‘Question DGO, I’ll question PDA’ — Sarawak demands fairness in O&G fight

Abang Johari gestures when speaking at the GPS Convention 2026 at BCCK on April 19, 2026. Photo credit: Ukas

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, April 19: “Jangan takut” (don’t be afraid) even as Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) has taken Sarawak to court over oil and gas rights as the State will stand its ground and fight back.

Premier and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg assured that said Sarawak would utilise its own legal framework to defend its rights, including the Distribution of Gas Ordinance (DGO), while challenging the federal Petroleum Development Act (PDA).

“If they question the DGO, I will question the PDA. Don’t test the people of Sarawak,” he said, adding that Sarawak’s laws predate independence and are recognised under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

Speaking at the GPS Convention 2026 held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today, Abang Johari highlighted that Sarawak holds about 62 per cent of Malaysia’s methane gas reserves, underscoring the State’s position as a major energy producer and justifying its move to take a greater role in gas management rather than leaving it solely to PETRONAS.

“That is why we are positioning Sarawak as a gas aggregator,” he said, expressing hope that the dispute could still be resolved amicably between the federal and State governments.

Rejecting claims that the State’s stance could undermine the national oil company, Abang Johari said Sarawak was not being greedy.

“We are not killing the golden goose. We just want fairness. GPS only wants to be fair,” he said, echoing the late former Chief Minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem’s stance on safeguarding Sarawak’s rights, instead of merely ‘tengok saja’ (see only).

He added that Sarawak has its own approach and formula that would not harm PETRONAS while ensuring equitable returns for the State as a gas producer, in line with its broader economic strategy under the Sarawak’s Gas Roadmap.

Highlighting Sarawak’s growing role in the regional energy sector, Abang Johari pointed to methanol production hubs in Labuan and Bintulu, noting that Bintulu’s operations are fully Sarawakian-owned.

He also cited recognition by the World Economic Forum, which has designated Bintulu as an emerging low-carbon industrial cluster.

“This is implemented by GPS, others should not claim credit for it,” he said.

On development plans, he said the State’s gas cluster strategy would generate new jobs and economic opportunities for Sarawakians, alongside major infrastructure projects including a new deep sea port at Tanjung Embang near Beliong.

The Premier also defended the State’s push for large-scale infrastructure, including a new airport and gas terminal, saying such investments would catalyse long-term economic growth.

Drawing parallels with Lee Kuan Yew’s development of Changi Airport, he said strategic investments had transformed Singapore’s economy and could do the same for Sarawak.

“If it is good, why shouldn’t we do it?” he said.

Abang Johari added that Sarawak aims to strengthen connectivity and reduce reliance on transit hubs like Singapore and Kuala Lumpur by expanding direct international routes, supported by initiatives such as the State’s own airline, AirBorneo.

“This will boost our tourism sector and make it easier for visitors to come directly to Sarawak,” he said. — DayakDaily