By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Nov 5: Sarawak may get its own currency, but the time has not yet come, says Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
It was reported that on Sept 1, Public Works Minister-cum-Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) secretary-general Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi speculated about the possibility of Sarawak introducing its own currency considering the unpredictable economic conditions in Malaysia.
“The Malaysian ringgit has depreciated so much that Nanta has previously suggested that the State should have its own currency.
“His reasoning is that because Sarawak has a strong economy, we should have our own currency.
“I told him we could have our own currency, but don’t (go) too fast, if there is a proper way, maybe… just maybe, but let PBB be strong first,” said Abang Johari during his officiating speech at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) 2023 Sibu Zone Special Convention today in Sibu, which was streamed live on the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Facebook page.
He went on to say that once PBB is stronger, the State government can look for experts to manage the economy.
Abang Johari, who is also PBB president, noted that the country’s economy is unstable and the Malaysian ringgit’s value against the US dollar is poor, currently at almost RM5 to the US dollar.
He further asserted that the devaluation of the Malaysian currency is partly attributed to the political uncertainty in Peninsular Malaysia.
“Meanwhile, Sarawak’s economy has shown significant improvement, evident from the increasing number of foreign companies choosing to invest in the State,” he added.
The convention was attended by various senior party leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister-cum-PBB senior vice president Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof, Deputy Premiers of Sarawak-cum-PBB deputy presidents Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, PBB secretary-general Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, and PBB vice president-cum-PBB Nangka branch chief Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee. — DayakDaily
