Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) has categorically denied the Malay Economic Action Council’s (MTEM) claim it took actions to vacate Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s office following the announcement of his intention to quit as adviser.

In a statement in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, Petronas said as far as it was concerned, Dr Mahathir was still Petronas’ adviser and maintained his office at the Petronas Twin Towers.

“Petronas holds the utmost respect and esteem for Dr Mahathir for his contributions not only to the company but to the nation,” it said.

The national oil company was responding to earlier reports by MTEM, which said it was told by reliable Petronas sources and from Dr Mahathir’s office that Petronas humiliated the former prime minister by clearing and locking his KLCC office within 24 hours after he announced his intention to quit as adviser.

“Petronas unequivocally condemns the malicious statements of MTEM who blatantly fabricated the claims for questionable purposes.

“The decision on matters relating to the appointment or resignation of Petronas’ adviser is the prerogative of the office of the prime minister Najib Abdul Razak and beyond the purview of Petronas,” it said.

- Bernama