MUKAH, March 19 — Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem today he supported Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak for the development that the latter is able to offer Sarawak.

He also described Najib as the prime minister who has paid the most attention to the state, having visited Sarawak more than any of his predecessors.

“He understands the problems faced by Sarawak. He does not only make frequent visits, but he also gives large amount of allocations,” Adenan said when responding to criticism over his continued support for the prime minister amid allegations of abuse.

He said it was his duty as chief minister to ensure the state receives the development funds it needs, adding that this was the primary reason for his continued support of the prime minister.

Adenan also said he will propose a reduction in the assessment rates to lighten the burden of the people in view of the rising cost of living brought about by the implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) last year.

“The GST has nothing to do with me. It is beyond my control,” he said, adding that  the least he could do is to reduce the assessment and electricity rates as well as eliminate bridge tolls.

Later, Adenan, who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputra Bersatu (PBB) president, announced Datuk Fatimah Abdullah to defend her Dalat seat, Yussibnosh Balo for Telian and Abdul Yakub Arbi for Balingian in the coming state elections.