Sarawak stands firmly behind Najib's leadership - Adenan Satem

He said this was because the prime minister had shown his sincerity and commitment to help the state in catching up on development and progress as enjoyed by other states in the country.

"Najib too has been most understanding and open minded when we bring up state issues like greater autonomy, the restoration of the state's rights which have been eroded under previous federal leaderships and other rights accorded to the state through the Malaysia Agreement 1963 when it joined to form the federation (of Malaysia).

"He is not angry but will say we can talk and negotiate," he said at a dinner-cum-meet-the people session held at the Eastwood Valley Golf and Country club here tonight, which was attended by Najib and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.

Adenan said despite the problems that Najib faced in the peninsula, Sarawak would continue to stand by him.

"Simply put, Najib understands Sarawak very well and especially its desire to catch up with the more advanced states.

"He has visited the state 49 times and has been to almost every nook and corner (in Sarawak)," he said.

He said the best thing about his visits and his walkabouts was that he would not just come empty handed or just with his smiles.

"His walkabouts have resulted in no less than RM3 billion worth of development grants being given out despite the bad time for the country's economy with the drop in prices of oil in the world market.