Law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said confirmed that any decision to reactivate the council, which was formed under the Petroleum Development Act 1974, would be at the discretion of the prime minister.

“He (the prime minister) is responsible for petroleum affairs under the Act,” she said in a written parliamentary reply in response to Zulkifly Jusoh (PN-Besut), who wanted an update on the status of the council.

The council, initially convened on April 9, 1975, was tasked with advising the prime minister on matters related to the petroleum sector.

However, it had not held any session since its last meeting nearly three decades ago.

While the council remains dormant, Azalina pointed out that the government had set up the National Energy Council, which met for the first time on April 2.

It is chaired by the prime minister, with the economy ministry serving as the secretariat.

It was set up to facilitate the implementation of the National Energy Transition Roadmap.

“(The National Energy Council) is aimed at steering the direction of the country’s energy sector and ensuring accountability among various ministries and implementing agencies in executing energy-related initiatives,” Azalina said.