An article published on 2025-03-12 counters claims that PETRONAS is a political pawn, emphasizing its strict adherence to legal frameworks, robust corporate governance, and significant contributions to national development. It argues that attempts to dismantle or fragment the company for political gains could damage Malaysia’s economy.

PETRONAS CEO warned that without significant workforce reductions, the company could face an existential crisis within 10 years, signaling a drastic move that jeopardizes worker rights amid global economic challenges.

Petronas faces a high-stakes political and economic dispute as the Sarawak state pushes to reclaim control of LNG production. The dispute, which could cost the company up to 90% of its gas revenue, underscores long-standing tensions over centralized resource management and the balance of federal versus state power in Malaysia.

On 29 April 2022, PETRONAS’ subsidiaries announced the withdrawal from Blocks M12, M13, and M14 in the Yetagun field offshore Myanmar. The exit was executed following a thorough techno-commercial review and stakeholder consultation, ensuring compliance with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and implementing Third Party Risk Management measures to avoid any relationships with companies linked to the Myanmar junta.

Transparency International Malaysia criticized Petroliam Nasional Berhad for its ambiguous policy that permits political contributions without clear disclosure of beneficiaries or amounts. TI-M demanded that the state-owned enterprise immediately halt such practices to maintain neutrality as the caretaker of national resources.

Transparency International Malaysia urged Petronas to immediately prohibit political contributions and improve financial disclosure for its subsidiaries and joint ventures. The recommendation is aimed at reducing risks of political interference and favoritism in managing national resources.