Sarawak Puts A Hold On Semenanjung Malaysians Applying For Petronas Jobs
Petronas is recognised by Fortune Global 500 as one of the largest multinational oil and gas corporations in the world.
By Nandini Balakrishnan — 09 Aug 2016, 08:20 AM
The Sarawak state government has put a ban on all new work permits for Petronas staff from outside of Sarawak
"The state government will put a moratorium with immediate effect on all new applications for work permits from Petronas personnel from outside Sarawak who intend to work in Sarawak," said Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Douglas Uggah Embas, as reported by The Borneo Post yesterday, 7 August.
This sudden move comes after multiple complaints about Sarawakians being retrenched from the oil company.
Suarah Petroleum Group (SPG) raised concerns when Petronas in Sarawak recently abolished 29 positions that led to the retrenchment of 13 experienced staff from Sarawak.
Douglas said that the state government had sought an explanation from the Petronas and the oil giant said the retrenchments were part of its efforts to reduce costs.
He added that the state government is awaiting a detailed report from Petronas on the participation of Sarawakians in the oil company's operations in the state.
malaysiakini.com
Moreover, Suarah Petroleum Group (SPG) president Hamin Yusuf has claimed that Sarawakians only filled 39% of management positions and 46% of mid-management positions with Petronas in Sarawak
Hamin also claimed the majority of senior jobs were filled by non-Sarawakians, and the influx of personnel from the peninsula filling lower-level jobs further exacerbated the situation.
Prior to this, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing had called on the relevant authorities, like State Immigration Department, to see how they could play its part on the intake of workers from the peninsula.
On the other hand, DAP state chairman Chong Chieng Jen and PKR state vice chairman See Chee How had also criticised the state government for its slowness in seeking greater participation for Sarawakians in Peronas’ operations even though most oil and gas were found in the state.
theborneopost.com
Following the revelations, Sarawak DAP chief Chong Chieng Jen proposed that the state cancels work permits of West Malaysians working with Petronas in Sarawak till there is at least 70% of Sarawakians working there
Chong in a statement today hailed the state government's move to exercise its autonomy to deal with the employment of Sarawakians in Petronas.
"The fact that the state government has to go to this extent just so that Petronas will review its unfair employment policy towards Sarawak is clear proof of the fact that all the so-called sweet and cordial relationship between Sarawak Chief Minister Adenan Satem and Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak amounts to nothing when it comes to the distribution of resources between Sarawak and West Malaysia.
"Therefore, (the) Sarawak government should start taking a hard position and tough action against the federal government when it comes to negotiation with federal government for Sarawak’s rights," he said.
malaysiakini.com
Wanting to resolve the matter, Sarawak deputy chief minister Amar Douglas Uggah Embas explained that they have already requested for a detailed report and verifications on the figures by SPG
He also revealed that the Sarawak state government has brought the matter up to a "top Petronas official" in Kuala Lumpur and that the said official will provide the details on the matter soon, as reported by The Borneo Post today, 8 August.
"We hope that with the report later on, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem will be able to do something on what needs to be done for Sarawak’s greater participation in Petronas’ operations in Sarawak," expressed Uggah.
Do you think the Sarawak government's move to put a moratorium (temporary prohibition) on new work permits for Petronas is fair? Let us know what you think in the comments section below!