SIBU: Should Sarawak opt for its own currency? Maybe.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is not ruling out the possibility but is at the time taking a realistic view, saying this is an issue that cannot be rushed.
He said he took note of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) secretary-general Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi previously suggesting that Sarawak have its own currency in view of the unpredictable economic conditions in Malaysia.
“The value of the Malaysian Ringgit has experienced a depreciation and that is why Nanta suggested Sarawak have its own currency.
“I told Nanta, ‘We can, but not too fast. If there is a correct way, maybe… maybe, but let PBB be strong first,” he said during the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu’s (PBB) Special Sibu Convention at Kingwood Hotel here on today (Nov 5).
Abang Johari, who is also PBB president, added that PBB is already strong and next was to look for more experts to manage the state’s economy.
“The country’s economy is unstable. That is why the value of our Ringgit against the US Dollar (USD) is very bad, which is almost RM5 to the US dollar,” he said.
The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman then said that Sarawak must continue to have political stability to ensure its economy is strong.
“On the other side (Peninsular Malaysia), it is ‘kalang-kabut’ (messy)… everybody wants to be the Prime Minister.
“Thankfully, Sarawak is not like that, because you trust me to be your Premier and my colleagues and I work hard to improve our economy,” he said.
Abang Johari said due to political stability, Sarawak has attracted more investment to the state.
