Fahmi Fadzil has called on Terengganu state executive councillor Azman Ibrahim to issue a public apology over remarks concerning Malaysia’s oil supply chain, describing the claims as inaccurate and misleading.
Fahmi, who is also Information Chief of People’s Justice Party (PKR), said Azman’s assertion that Malaysian oil does not pass through the Strait of Hormuz was factually incorrect and amounted to an unfounded allegation against the government. He stressed that available data indicates approximately 46 per cent of oil processed by Petronas transits through the key international route.
“I call on Dr Azman to apologise to the government for making such claims,” Fahmi said during his speech at a PKR mini convention on Monday. The event was also attended by party president Anwar Ibrahim and secretary-general Fuziah Salleh.
Earlier, Azman — who is also a central committee member of Malaysian Islamic Party — had defended remarks by party president Abdul Hadi Awang regarding rising fuel prices. The PAS leader had argued that price increases should not occur as Malaysia possesses its own petroleum resources.
In a Facebook post, Azman maintained that Malaysia’s oil supply chain does not rely entirely on international shipping routes. He pointed to the presence of around 120 active oil platforms in Terengganu waters, noting that crude oil is channelled to the Petronas refinery in Kerteh via subsea pipelines or tankers for domestic processing.
He questioned why fuel prices should be influenced by tanker movements through the Strait of Hormuz, reiterating his stance that “our oil does not pass through the Strait of Hormuz.” His remarks have since sparked debate, highlighting the complexities of global oil logistics and the importance of accurate public communication.
Responding further, Fahmi urged all parties to refrain from making statements about Petronas without verifying facts, stressing that misinformation could create unnecessary confusion among the public. He added that defending the government should not fall solely on the shoulders of the Prime Minister, but must be a collective responsibility within the party.
Fahmi also expressed appreciation for grassroots support within PKR, noting that despite a 30-0 defeat in the recent state elections, the outcome should serve as a turning point for the party to regroup and intensify efforts ahead of the next general election.
