KOTA KINABALU — Social and economic activist Roger Amandus said recent remarks by Sabah Energy Commission (ECoS) Chairperson Dionysia Francisca underscore a troubling reality — that Sabah’s so-called control over its oil and gas sector remains cosmetic and conditional upon Petronas’ approval, not grounded in genuine autonomy.
Roger said the interview revealed more about dependency than empowerment, with repeated admissions that decisions on timing, planning, and execution of projects are still dictated by “extensive discussions” and “long-term commitments” with Petronas and federal-linked entities.
“If Sabah’s oil and gas sector truly belongs to Sabah, we shouldn’t be hearing phrases like ‘Petronas gave us a platform.’ Rights enshrined under MA63 are not a gift to be granted by Petronas — they are constitutional guarantees owed to Sabah,” Roger said.
He said Dionysia’s claim that gas development cannot proceed without “firm onshore demand” and long-term contracts exposes the structural imbalance that continues to chain Sabah’s industrial future to decisions made outside the state.
“For decades, Sabah has been told to wait — first for power, then for industry, now for demand. This endless cycle of excuses keeps our economy trapped in dependency while others profit from our natural wealth,” he added.
Roger also criticised the statement’s repeated praise for Petronas, noting that every “success” cited — from attracting foreign investors to conducting seismic studies — still originates from Petronas-led initiatives rather than Sabah-driven leadership.
“When even our own geological data is owned and controlled by Petronas, we are not equal partners. We are merely participants in a system designed to keep us grateful for limited access,” he said.
He further argued that “stability” and “collaboration” have become the latest political slogans to justify federal dominance, with local leaders turning them into talking points ahead of the election.
“True stability doesn’t come from compliance — it comes from control. Sabah will only be truly stable when its people have ownership over their land, data, and resources, not when they are told to be content with a seat at Petronas’ table,” Roger said.
Roger maintained that the Commercial Collaboration Agreement (CCA) has changed the language of control but not the reality — replacing direct exclusion with managed dependence.
“After all the signing ceremonies and press statements, Sabah is still negotiating for permission to develop its own resources. That is not empowerment — it’s a sophisticated form of control,” he said.
He concluded by urging Sabahans to see through the political theatre of “collaboration” and demand a new framework that places Sabah’s oil and gas sector entirely under state law, authority, and benefit.
“Sabah doesn’t need a platform given by others — it needs full jurisdiction over what rightfully belongs to her people. Anything less is a continuation of economic colonialism,” Roger said.
