Datuk Naroden Majais
KUCHING: The state government must be notified of any transactions that involve the sale of natural resources which fall within Sarawak’s continental shelf or land mass.
Assistant Minister for Resource Planning and Environment Datuk Naroden Majais said if the location of the mineral for sale fell within Sarawak’s continental shelf or within its land mass, it should definitely be covered under the state land code.
“Therefore, any sale should be referred to the state for approval first.
“The same principles applies to sale or transfer of land,” Naroden said in response to the recent issue of Petronas’ plan of selling a stake in its SK316 offshore gas block in Bintulu.
It was reported that Petronas would let go of up to 49 per cent of the asset for up to US$1 billion.
Following Reuter’s report, Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How urged Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Open to take up the 49 per cent stake.
See said the state government should immediately negotiate with Petronas to purchase the stake rather than letting it fall into the hands of other people.
He also expressed disappointment if Petronas did not offer Sarawak the option to purchase the stake.
On the sale of the stake to foreigners, Naroden, who is also Assistant Minister for Entrepreneur Development, said if the buyers involved were foreigners, the opinion of the state government should be sought or consulted.
“If the sale or transfer of any state asset is to any non-Malaysian or to foreigners, the state government has to be notified.”
“This is not a question of whether the state gives its approval or not, but at least the matter should be brought to the attention of the state government.
“Since the state is in the process of negotiating with the agency (Petronas) on the equity, by right, the proposed sale or transfer should be referred to the state or at least to the State Oil and Gas Committee first. This is my personal opinion only,” said Naroden.