COP29: NRES Dismisses Rimbawatch's 'Fossil Fuel Lobbyists' Classification As A Misnomer

BAKU (Azerbaijan), Nov 22 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) has dismissed RimbaWatch's classification of certain fossil fuel companies as ‘fossil fuel lobbyists’ as a misnomer. 

RimbaWatch had listed companies such as Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB), Yinson, Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB), Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation (MPRC), and Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) under this category.

NRES stated that Petronas has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, investing in renewable and low-carbon energy ventures.

Meanwhile, TNB, a multinational electricity company based in Malaysia, plays a pivotal role in the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), a key element of the nation’s net-zero emissions strategy by 2050.

"Both TNB and Petronas, (through the clean energy company, Gentari) are making substantial investments in renewable energy on a global scale. Thus, RimbaWatch labeling them as 'fossil fuel lobbyists' is inaccurate," said the ministry in a statement here today. 

It clarified that the two companies were represented by their respective sustainable development divisions at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).  

“Therefore, claims regarding the presence or absence of specific organisations in Malaysia’s COP29 delegation cannot be construed as endorsing any agenda beyond the nation’s well-established and widely stated climate goals,” the statement noted.

NRES highlighted that it generally does not restrict credible entities from participating in COP events, as Malaysia employs a whole-of-nation approach to tackling climate change.

“All participating companies are actively involved in implementing government policies, particularly the NETR, and other initiatives supporting the country’s climate goals. 

“It is essential that no sector, including the private sector, is excluded from contributing to or sharing responsibility in the fight against climate change,” the statement added.

The ministry reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to the UAE Consensus on phasing out fossil fuels.

“This year, the government has pledged to achieve a more ambitious net-zero target by 2050. However, it firmly believes the transition must be fair and equitable, avoiding undue penalties for developing nations,” the statement highlighted.

NRES clarified that corporate delegates do not participate in negotiations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, which is strictly reserved for sovereign states.

“Only authorised representatives from the Malaysian government and its negotiation team are granted access. During COP29, Malaysia’s negotiation team worked under a mandate that incorporated the perspectives of the public sector, private sector, and civil society organisations (CSOs),” the statement explained.

To shape Malaysia’s position before COP29, the ministry confirmed extensive consultations with the Climate Change Advisory and Consultation Panel, which comprises representatives from the private sector and civil society. 

NRES also refuted RimbaWatch’s allegation that no representatives from indigenous-led CSOs or those focused on issues in Sabah and Sarawak were granted overflow badges to attend the conference.

It clarified that most delegates with Party Overflow Badges participated in programmes under the Malaysia Pavilion, which featured 45 sessions over two weeks.

“The Secretariat issued passes only to relevant delegations based on government-mandated negotiation themes. NRES has always extended invitations to civil society members and individuals interested in attending COP,” the statement noted.

NRES further explained that the Secretariat’s initial review found that only the following CSOs had applied for passes: the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM), C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, Malaysian Youth Delegation, Energy Action Partners, Global Environment Centre (GEC), Sahabat Alam Malaysia (ALAM), Youths United For Earth (YUFE), and Yayasan Hasanah.

“It's important to note that overflow pass registration follows a 'first come, first served' principle, based on the timeline set by the UNFCCC. Additionally, the number of delegates is limited by the organisers,” the statement continued.

NRES nevertheless acknowledged RimbaWatch’s concerns and those raised by other parties, stating that efforts to improve relevant processes are ongoing in preparation for COP30 in Belem, Brazil.

On Nov 20, RimbaWatch reported that Malaysia had sent 151 delegates representing business interests, claiming that 44 of them were allegedly from companies with significant investments in fossil fuel expansion or trade bodies advocating for fossil fuel interests, making them the largest group within the corporate delegation.

– BERNAMA