SARIKEI, Feb 20 — Sarawak is mulling to abolish its quit rent to ease the livelihood of the people.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem said, however, before that could happen the state government must get back its right to collect stamp duty revenue from the federal government.

This according to Adenan, is Sarawak’s next step in its devolution of power negotiation with the federal government.

“If we can get revenue from the stamp duty collection, the quit rent can be abolished,” he said when officiating Sarikei Division Sejiwa Senada Programme here today.

The chief minister said the success on the devolution of power negotiation with the federal government depended on the strong support of the people to the present state government.

“Give me a strong mandate (in the coming 11th state election) so that the federal government know that I represent all the people in Sarawak,” he said, adding that he merely needed another five years to implement many things that could develop the state further.

He also called the people of various walks of life to come together and develop Sarawak, the state that they loved.

At the ceremony Adenan also approved an allocation of RM3.5 million to repair the dilapidated Sarikei Sports Complex and RM4.5 million for the repair works on Sarikei-Tanjung Manis road.

About 30,000 people attended the programme today including people from as far as Julau and Kuala Rajang areas. — Bernama