KUALA LUMPUR, Nov. 5 -- A year-end settlement between Sarawak and Petronas is not possible despite Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg expressing confidence that a deal could be reached before the end of the year, a political analyst said.

University of Tasmania's James Chin said that, based on his knowledge and interactions in Sarawak, such an outcome was unlikely at present because the two sides remained fundamentally different in their interests, which is why they approached the Federal Court to resolve the deadlock in the first place.

"In that interview, although he mentioned that a deal is due by year-end, it is not possible to have the deal because court proceedings are ongoing.

"You cannot get an agreement while these cou...