The federal government will give its utmost consideration to Sarawak's request for higher oil and gas royalties, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak said in Miri tonight.

Najib 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 tonight.

Sarawak Yang Dipertua Negeri Abdul Taib Mahmud and Chief Minister Adenan Satem were present.

Adenan ( left ) 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 percent to 20 percent.

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.  

He 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