End of a PETRONAS Era

One of the most important men in Malaysia has just left the PETRONAS building. Tan Sri Mohd Hassan Marican clocked out for the last time at Tower 1, PETRONAS Twin Towers, KLCC at about 6.15 pm yesterday.

For PETRONAS staff, it marked the end of great era, one that started with the late Tan Sri Azizan Zainul Abidin being appointed as Chairman of PETRONAS and ended with Tan Sri Hassan stepping out of Tower 1 for the last time as President and Chief Executive Officer.

Three fundamental things describe this era - PETRONAS' embarking on a strategic globalisation programme to augment Malaysia's crude oil and gas reserves, adding value to its core business, and providing exciting new challenges to its young employees who form about 70% of the PETRONAS population.

From the rousing send-off Tan Sri Hassan received yesterday from more than 1,000 able bodied staff who filled the PETRONAS lobby to the brim, the consensus among the PETRONAS people is clear. Tan Sri Hassan - the embodiment of PETRONAS' Shared Values of Loyalty, Integrity, Professionalism and Cohesiveness - has discharged his duties with excellence.

Well done, Tan Sri. Well done, indeed.

You will be missed.

We are also happy for you. While we see the sadness in your eyes, from the expression on your face, we also see relief - great and utter relief.

Such a great burden has been lifted from your shoulders. How liberating it must be for you.

Yes, we will continue to soldier on in memory of you and in honour of your sacrifices.

Yes, we will support your successor as you have asked us to. And as you have shown us how, we will continue to work hard for the sake of the nation and corporation.

















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Addendum: The new PETRONAS President came in today. His first message written from his desk was comforting and inspiring.

Here's to a bright future for PETRONAS under Dato' Shamsul Azhar Abbas.