SHAH ALAM – With the unpredictable economic landscape in Malaysia, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi has suggested that Sarawak might want to explore the idea of introducing their own independent currency.
Stating that he was not a traitor to the country for vocalising this idea, he said this was something that could be considered if the less favourable economy persists.
"If Sarawak economy is so good, while the national economy is not well, perhaps Sarawak will have our own currency.
"I hope people are not saying that I’m a traitor to the country, but I’m talking seriously. If we are so good in developing our economy, by calculation, our economy should be strong,” he told Sinar Daily.
He said this during a special podcast collaboration with Bual Studio and Reka Sound for Merdeka and Malaysia Day titled "From Malaya to Malaysia: 60 Years" out today.
Nanta, who is the Secretary-General of both Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu and its coalition Gabungan Parti Sarawak, said that the overall income of Sarawak and its economy has increased.
"If Sarawak is better than others, why not? This is what I’m trying to emphasise,” he said.
However, he said when examining the per capita income, it becomes evident that there were still areas where people continue to experience poverty.
Nanta also highlighted that Sarawak was led by a strong and capable leader, Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, to push the state to greater heights.
Abang Johari in July said the state was now recognised as a high-income state by the World Bank's latest data. World Bank Malaysia lead economist Apurva Sanghi was quoted saying that Sarawak was now a high-income state as its gross national income (GNI) per capita was above US$13,205 (RM61,608).
The Sarawak Premier had tweeted: "While Malaysia’s quest to join the high income club continues, there is one nice surprise: Sarawak is now a high income state!”.
Anticipate four more episodes of From Malaya to Malaysia in-depth discussion surrounding politics, economy, heritage as well as sports and the entertainment industry, with host Athira Aminudin.