Torstein leaving Sarawak Energy to be with his family in Norway

Norwegian Datuk Torstein Dale Sjoveit said he is leaving Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) in order to be with his family in Norway.

Torstein, 61, who has served SEB as its chief executive officer for seven years, said he is not renewing his contract when it expires at the end of this month.

He said the board of directors has accepted his resignation as the CEO of the Sarawak state government wholly owned company.

"Three years ago I told the board that I am unable to stay on although they asked me to stay on...even the chief minister (Tan Sri Adenan Satem) asked me to say on but I really have to go home to be with my family in Norway," he said.

Torstein was replying to a question from reporters during the meet-the-media session here today.

Torstein said it was wonderful working in SEB and the decision to leave was made after a long and careful consideration with his family in Norway.

"It has been a tremendous privilege for me to lead the 4,500 Sarawakians at Sarawak Energy for the past seven years," he said.

Meanwhile Sarbini Suhaili, who is currently Petronas Group vice president for Health, Safety, Security & Environment, is expected to succeed Torstein as the new CEO.

Sarbini is a Sarawakian from Kuching and has extensive national and overseas experience in the oil and gas industry with both Shell and Petronas. -- BERNAMA