Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) could potentially expand its international operations to the Maldives to explore oil resources in the island republic, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the proposal would first be discussed with Petronas, taking into account the national oil and gas company’s extensive experience and capabilities in the global energy sector.
He said Petronas already has a strong presence in several countries, including Canada, Turkmenistan, Sudan, Suriname, Peru and Brazil.
“Regarding the proposal for Petronas to look into the possibility of oil exploration in the Maldives, I need to discuss this with Petronas.
“I am confident in Petronas’ strength around the world, from Canada to Turkmenistan, Sudan, Suriname, Peru and Brazil.
“I see no major problem with expanding its presence closer to here, namely in the Maldives,” he said at a joint press conference with Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu at the President’s Office in Malé today.
Earlier, Anwar met Muizzu after receiving an official welcome by the Maldives National Defence Force, accompanied by the national anthems of Malaysia and the Maldives.
Anwar also proposed that the Malaysia-Maldives Joint Commission be convened in Kuala Lumpur before the end of this year to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
He said the platform would help address several outstanding matters while ensuring the close relationship between Malaysia and the Maldives translated into more concrete cooperation.
Anwar said bilateral ties should be based on an understanding of each country’s needs and strengths, while being strengthened by mutual respect and trust at the leadership level.
“That is why, when the President showed such closeness and commitment, I proposed that the Joint Commission between the two countries be held as soon as possible.
“We will host it in Kuala Lumpur before the end of this year. This will demonstrate our commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between these two brotherly countries,” he said.
Anwar said issues affecting Maldivian citizens in Malaysia would be among the matters discussed, particularly those involving students and people travelling to Malaysia for medical treatment.
He said the presence of more than 2,000 Maldivian students in Malaysia reflected the strong friendship between the two countries, as well as their confidence in Malaysia’s education system.
He added that several bureaucratic issues involving parents accompanying their children to study in Malaysia had already been discussed and were expected to receive attention at the upcoming Cabinet meeting.
“I do not think this issue is about differences in policy. We have no problem with Maldivian citizens who live, work or study in Malaysia.
“So, I think we will provide a positive response,” he said.
