Apex court will act impartially in Petronas-S’wak dispute, says MP

 Tebrau MP Jimmy Puah says the judges will consider the law, commercial viability, economic growth and the spirit of federalism.

Tebrau MP Jimmy Puah says any move that undermines Petronas could adversely affect investor confidence and jeopardise the country’s economic stability.

PETALING JAYA:

 A government MP has expressed confidence in the Federal Court’s independence amid the ongoing legal dispute involving Petronas and the Sarawak government.

Tebrau MP Jimmy Puah said he believes the apex court will consider all relevant angles when interpreting the constitutional and legal issues raised by both parties.

Puah, the Johor PKR vice-chairman, said the judges would consider not only the letter of the law but broader national interests.

“I am very sure that when the court addresses this question of interpretation, it will take into account all angles, including commercial viability, the spirit of federalism and how it will affect our economic growth.

“I believe all these factors will be considered, and I remain confident in the independence and wisdom of our courts to arrive at the best conclusion,” he said.

In January, Petronas filed a motion at the Federal Court seeking legal clarity on the regulatory framework governing its operations in Sarawak, following disputes with the state over gas distribution rights and compliance obligations.

The move is aimed at establishing a legal baseline for ongoing negotiations with Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros).

Last month, the Sarawak government filed a petition with the apex court challenging three federal laws governing petroleum, as part of a broader effort to gain greater control over natural resources in and around the state.

Puah stressed that the courts are neither controlled by the legislature nor beholden to the executive, underscoring their constitutional role as an independent branch of government.

“The Federal Court bench also includes the Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak (Azizah Nawawi), and I expect her to play a very important role in the proceedings,” he said.

Addressing concerns over the economic implications of the dispute, Puah said commercial considerations would inevitably form part of the broader context.

“Petronas is the goose that lays the golden eggs. There is no doubt how much it contributes to the nation’s coffers. If you were to break it up into several parts, we would lose the economic scale.

“We have to think about national interest here. We are not discriminating against anybody,” he said.

He warned that fragmenting operations could undermine efficiency and long-term reinvestment capacity.

Any move that weakens Petronas could have serious consequences for investor confidence and the country’s economic stability, said Puah.

“We are attracting investors from all over the world. One of the principal things any business or investor needs when coming to Malaysia is certainty.

“If they are in doubt, they may think twice about investing in Malaysia or in Petronas. Certainty is very important,” he said. - FMT