Abang Johari (second left) accompanied by Unimas Vice Chancellor Professor Dato Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi (left), Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Integrity and Ombudman) Datuk Talib Zulpilip (on Abang Johari’s left) and others, tours the book exhibition area after opening the International Conference on Language Studies. — Photo by Muhd Rais Sanusi

KUCHING: The board of the newly formed Petros, Sarawak’s own oil and gas company, is made up of five Sarawakians who have retired from Petronas and Shell.

Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg highlighted this yesterday as he brushed aside rumours that Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) chief executive officer (CEO) Sharbini Suhaili might be appointed to the top position.

“No, he is the CEO of energy. We have formed Petros and appointed the board. For a start, we have five members. They are all Sarawakians who have retired from Petronas and Shell,” he told reporters after opening the International Conference on Language Studies (ICLS 2017) at Riverside Majestic Hotel here.

“We will work together to find the best person with experience to be appointed the CEO. The board will decide later,” he assured.

Most importantly, he pointed out, was forming and registering the company with the board first in order to look after Sarawak’s interest in the oil and gas sector.

“Now, it (Petros) is in the formative stage. We must have our own vehicle, after which we will work with Petronas to explore the upstream activities particularly,” he added.

Abang Johari disclosed that the government already has something in the pipeline which will be announced later and the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) would be informed of Petros structure in November when the sitting commences.

He also confirmed that the state government will take up 10 per cent share of the LNG Train 9.

“Petronas has confirmed and now it is just a matter of price,” he said.