WORKS Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said Sarawak might want to explore the idea of introducing their own independent currency due to the unpredictable economic landscape in the country.
The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary-general said he is not a traitor to the country for vocalising this idea, but 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,” he said during a special podcast today (Sept 1) in collaboration with Bual Studios and Reka Sounds for Merdeka and Malaysia Day titled “From Malaya to Malaysia: 60 Years”.
“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.”
According to Nanta, who is also the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu secretary-general, 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. When examining the per capita income, it becomes evident that there were still areas where people continue to experience poverty.”
The Kapit MP further stressed that Sarawak was being led by a strong and capable leader, Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, who was able to propel the state to greater heights.
In July, Abang Johari 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). – Sept 1, 2023
Main pic credit: Facebook/Alexander Nanta Linggi
