KUCHING – Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi’s statement of the possibility of Sarawak having its own currency was merely his honest opinion, said Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
He said that he had no idea why Nanta proposed that the state have its own currency and that the idea was too complex and would need to be examined in depth beforehand.
“That issue is very complicated – I don’t know why he said this.
“But that is Nanta’s view. We have to study it in detail first. But we have Malaysia, so we follow Malaysia’s currency,” he said regarding the federal works minister’s recent comments that Sarawak should consider having its own currency.
Abang Johari told this to reporters when met at the state-level National Anti-Scam Roadshow at the Borneo Cultures Museum here today.
In a podcast titled From Malaya to Malaysia: 60 Years, to mark National Day and Malaysia Day, Nanta reportedly said Sarawak may introduce its own currency if the less favourable economy in Malaysia persists, and the idea should be taken into consideration given the state’s positive economic growth.
“I hope people are not calling me a traitor, but I’m talking seriously. If we are so good at developing our economy, (then) by calculation, our economy should be strong,” said Nanta.
However, he did not state under which law Sarawak would derive power over currency, as under the federal constitution, only the federal government has power over currency. – September 2, 2023