KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 15 -- Former senior Treasury official Nik Azmi Nik Daud has defended Petronas's decision to seek judicial clarification on Sarawak's oil and gas laws, saying the move reflects responsible governance rather than an attempt to challenge the state's authority.

He issued the remarks in response to Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Youth, which accused the national oil company of undermining Sarawak's regulatory framework by referring the matter to the Federal Court instead of continuing negotiations.

"I've read PBB Youth's recent comments on Petronas' decision to seek judicial clarification over Sarawak's oil and gas laws, and frankly, it's disappointing to see such inflammatory accusations from a political youth wing...