Govt to consider Sarawak's request for higher oil, gas royalties

MIRI: The federal government will give utmost consideration to Sarawak's request for higher oil and gas royalties, said Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak (pix).
The prime minister said the federal government had no qualms in negotiating on any matters with the state government over its interests.
"The federal government will give utmost consideration on this matter (request for higher oil and gas royalties)," he said at the Malaysia Gawai Dayak Open House 2014 at Dataran Kipas here tonight.
Sarawak Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud and Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem were present. Adenan raised the matter in his speech earlier.
The Sarawak State Assembly sitting in May approved a special motion to seek royalties from the state's oil and gas revenue to be increased from five per cent to 20%.
Najib said the federal government's consideration was not only on the request for higher oil and gas royalties, but also higher funds for the state.
The prime minister said Sarawak had achieved three forms of successes since its independence through the formation of Malaysia over the last 50 years.
He cited them as developing a multiracial society that featured the characteristics of harmony and social cohesion, political stability and continuous sustainable development.
"I always have a soft spot for Sarawak and I want Sarawak to continue to be progressive, developed and successful," he added. – Bernama