SATOK ASSEMBLYMAN SWORN IN AS SARAWAK DEPUTY MINISTER

KUCHING, March 17 (Bernama) -- Satok state assemblyman Datuk Ibrahim Baki was sworn in as the Sarawak Deputy Utility and Telecommunication Minister in charge of Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) and Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros), before Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar at Astana Negeri, here today.

The SEB chairman’s appointment takes effect today.

Speaking to reporters after the oath-taking ceremony, he said his key missions as deputy minister include driving efforts toward the green economy and realising the state's aspiration to become an energy hub in the ASEAN region.

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"Sarawak Premier mentioned helping to coordinate the oil and gas and the importance of renewable energy, where we want to propel Sarawak into the Borneo grid and be the main player in this energy sector.

"For me, this appointment is not a privilege but a trust that comes with responsibility, so we must work together, to collaborate and ensure that we will achieve our shared vision for Sarawak's development," he said.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stated that Ibrahim's appointment aligns with Sarawak's vision to strategically develop its energy while coordinating gas development in the state.

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He said Ibrahim's experience, who had served with Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), would also be convenient in the negotiation process between Petronas and Petros. 

"He (Ibrahim) can help Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi (Minister of Utility and Telecommunication) coordinate and strategically engage with Petronas-Petros collaborations and our effort to move towards Sarawak Gas Roadmap.

"The new appointment and the minor reshuffle of the state Cabinet aims to strengthen the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government's service delivery to the rakyat and enhance the energy sector including investment in the oil and gas industry," he said.

Abang Johari also announced the appointment of Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi as the Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Hall and Islamic Affairs) effective today.

-- BERNAMA