In claiming so, PBB Deputy President Abang Johari Abang Openg (Abang Jo) explained that Adenan was aware that the price of crude oil had plunged drastically.

“He feels that we should wait for the right moment to discuss the 20% royalty, depending on the oil price.

“Adenan doesn’t want the oil royalty to affect the country’s stability.

“However, we will continue to negotiate,” he told reporters after awarding land titles to Kampung Senari residents here today.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Najib Razak said it was not a suitable time to consider increasing the oil royalty for Sarawak.

This, he explained, was due to the massive losses in the country’s revenue caused by the significant drop in global crude oil prices.

The national revenue, Najib said, was in a critical state, having lost RM40 billion because of falling oil prices.

Meanwhile, Abang Johari claimed that Sarawakians were warming up to the ruling coalition, especially in Opposition strongholds.

The Sarawak housing and urban development minister said BN was giving its rivals  good competition, especially in urban areas.

“This shows the people are accepting Adenan’s policies.”