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KUCHING, Sept 2: The suggestion for Sarawak to introduce its own currency is the personal view of Public Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“That’s a complicated issue, it’s Nanta’s view.
“We already have the Malaysian currency, we will follow the Malaysian currency lah,” said Abang Johari when he was met at the opening of the 2023 National Anti Scam Tour at the Borneo Cultures Museum Auditorium today.
Yesterday, Nanta who is also the secretary-general of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), made the suggestion in a light-hearted manner, in view of Sarawak’s robust economy which he opined should not be bogged down by the uncertain economic situation in Malaysia due to politicking over “remeh” (trivial) issues.
He explained that this idea could be considered if the economy continues to be less encouraging.
“If Sarawak’s economy is so good but the country’s economy is the opposite, perhaps, one day, Sarawak may want to have our own currency. Why should we get bogged down?”
“I hope people don’t call me a traitor. But I’m serious. If we’re so good at developing the economy, the country’s economy should be strong,” he said.
Nanta highlighted this during a special podcast by SinarDaily in collaboration with Bual Studios and Rena Sounds for Merdeka and Malaysia Day titled ‘From Malaya to Malaysia: 60 years’ released yesterday (Sept 1).
This discussion was brought up after Sarawak was recognised as one of the highest income earners based on the latest World Bank data.
According to the World Bank’s Malaysian chief economist, Dr Apurva Sanghi, Sarawak has attained high-income status because its gross national income (GNI) per capita has exceeded US$13,205 (RM61,608).
Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak Datuk Julaihi Narawi and Federal Minister of Communications and Digital Fahmi Fadzil were among those present at the event. — DayakDaily
