KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 13 -- Petronas's decision to seek a Federal Court ruling on the regulatory framework governing its operations in Sarawak is a standard legal process for resolving constitutional disputes between federal and state authorities, not a political confrontation, according to a law lecturer.

Hafiz Hassan of Multimedia University drew parallels with other federations like Australia, where apex courts are used to settle such conflicts.

"Conflicts do happen. When they do, they are usually resolved through the legal system," he said.

"Let's respect the process."

Earlier this week, Petronas filed a motion in the Federal Court seeking a definitive ruling on the legal position of the petroleum sector in Sarawak, naming both the f...