Call for Petronas audit draws mixed reactions from political leaders

A CALL for a comprehensive audit of Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) has sparked a range of responses from Malaysian political figures, following the company’s announcement of a major restructuring exercise affecting 5,000 contract workers.

Shah Alam MP Azli Yusof said the suggestion deserves serious consideration, provided the process is conducted with full transparency and professionalism, without undermining investor confidence in the national oil and gas company.

“Petronas operates globally and is already subject to internal and annual audits. What we must avoid is politicising a third-party audit in a way that could damage investor and partner confidence.

“If deemed necessary, any such audit must be independent, and key findings should be presented to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC),” he told *Sinar Harian*.

The proposal was initially raised by UMNO Youth Chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, who called for a full audit to ensure the ‘rightsizing’ decision was based on genuine operational needs and implemented transparently.

The restructuring, which affects roughly 10 per cent of Petronas' 50,000-strong workforce, will reportedly see 5,000 contract staff among the first group impacted.

Azli also floated the idea of forming a special Parliamentary Select Committee to oversee the governance of government-linked companies (GLCs), including Petronas, in order to align major decisions with national and public interests.

“The company’s operations need not be disrupted, but the people have a right to know,” he added. - June 9, 2025