According to a Bernama report, he also denied Sarawak had sent a representative to discuss the matter with AmBank Group.

“I was also surprised when I read the report. The report is just speculation.

“I have no comment because I don’t know about that,” he said at an event organised by the Regional Corridor Development Authority in Kuching, Sarawak.

Abang Johari, however, said Sarawak is always ready to negotiate with any entity that wants to collaborate with the state government.

It was reported yesterday that the Sarawak government, which is already the largest shareholder of Affin Bank, is believed to be eyeing a stake in AmBank with a view to merging the two lenders.

Citing sources, The Edge said the Sarawak government had already approached AmBank Group founder Azman Hashim.

Azman holds an 11.83% stake – valued at RM2.07 billion – in AMMB Holdings Bhd, which comprises AmBank, AmInvestment Bank Bhd and AmBank Islamic Bhd.