Hajiji’s Tireless Leadership in Sabah’s Oil Ownership in 2021

Sabah’s political maturity has slowly but surely gained traction. For the past many years, our oil resources have not significantly and relatively benefited Sabahans. Billions of ringgit did not stay in Sabah but was taken away from us. During his youth, Hajiji Noor has political visions of a prosperous Sabah. By the time he entered mainstream politics, he often spoke of Sabah’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963, the basis of the formation of Malaysia.

When Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor became Chief Minister of Sabah five years ago, he continued to navigate Sabah in challenging times. The oil and gas issue and especially Sabah’s rightful share of the revenue has been a dragging issue with the Federal Government and Hajiji knew that greater effort, patience, will, and resilience would surely produce good outcome. In 2021, Hajiji travelled to Kuala Lumpur to meet with the top brass in Petronas to present Sabah’s case.

With his effective leadership skills and coordinated teamwork, Hajiji paved the way for Sabah and Petronas to eventually executive a milestone document called the Commercial Collaboration Agreement (CCA). The CCA was an unprecedented achievement, allowing Sabah to own 50% in the Samarang Oil Field; 25% in SAMUR; and 25% in ZLNG. Negotiations are still ongoing for more shareholding ownership and rights for Sabah in other areas and assets. Hajiji has done what past local leadership did not or could not: securing ownership of our oil and gas resources.