In parting message, Petronas CEO stresses on principles

Outgoing Petronas president and CEO Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin has urged his colleagues to always keep their principles.

In a recorded video message to his colleagues, Zulkiflee (above) hoped that Petronas would continue to be led by people with courage and conviction.

"Often, in the position of trust, you will face conflict choices and difficult decisions.

"Sometimes standing by your principles may prove unrewarding and downright unpopular. It is a lonely path that true leaders must tread.

"At the end of it, doing the right thing allows you to have the peace of mind, clarity of conscience of having discharged your amanah - your responsibility with honesty and honour," he said.

Zulkiflee, 60, was removed as the head of Petronas after spending 37 years with the company. He started his career in Petronas as a process engineer in Kerteh, Terengganu and became head of the company in 2015.

Petronas is a significant contributor to government revenue. In 2019, the company paid RM24 billion in normal dividends to the government, which is just under 10 percent of total government revenue.

Zulkiflee said he was comforted in leaving behind a Petronas that is more resilient and hoped the future generation of company leaders will continue to bring progress.

"Dear colleagues, I believe everything happens for a reason. The cycle of life continues to turn and change is the only constant.

"As I prepare to pass on the baton to the next generation, I hope Petronas will be blessed with continued success even as the landscape and challenges will be different for each era.

"Our journey with Petronas is not a sprint. Since 1974, it has been a relay (race) where each generation grooms the next one to take the organisation to greater heights," he said. 

"Indeed, I am a strong believer of the view that there is no success without a successor. Lasting achievement is only achieved if it continues after we are long gone," he added.

On July 1, Zulkiflee will be replaced by Petronas chief financial officer Tengku Muhammad Taufik. - Mkini