SARAWAK opposition rep See Chee How has questioned the state government’s appointment of a businessman linked to the ruling Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu as a member of the Petronas board.

See, who holds the Batu Lintang seat for Parti Sarawak Bersatu, said the state’s representation on the national oil company’s board “is crucial and contentious, having been raised and heatedly argued about in the state assembly on many occasions”, and so, the appointment should have been referred to the state legislature.

“The Sarawak government must clarify whether the state was consulted and made recommendations with regard to the appointment of Ibrahim Baki to the Petronas board.

“If the state government was consulted and involved in the appointment, I hope the state cabinet was mindful that the circumstances warrant a careful selection of nominees.

“Any Sarawakian representative on the Petronas board should be strategic. His or her representation must be consistent with the objective of advancing and safeguarding the special interests, rights and position of Sarawak concerning our territorial authority and sovereignty, and our autonomous power and control over petroleum resources found within our territory.”

He said the state government should take note of Putrajaya’s appointment of a former chief judge of Malaya to the board.

“It is undoubtedly a strategic appointment in view of the legal battles and ongoing tussles between Sarawak, Putrajaya and Petronas.”

See recently resigned from the state assembly-appointed bipartisan consultative committee in protest.

The committee advises Sarawak on what position to take in its negotiations with the federal government on the Malaysia Agreement 1963.

See said Ibrahim helms companies that “render services to Petronas”.

“The appointment certainly raised eyebrows among Sarawakians.

“To ensure accountability and transparency, I urge the state government to allow the state assembly to deliberate, debate and decide on the appointment.” – August 21, 2020.