KUCHING: The Sarawak government would table a Bill related to New Economy by the end of this year, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Without disclosing much details, he said this was still in the planning stage.

“We will be introducing a new Bill that is related to New Economy, including matters regarding carbon and Sarawak’s rights over carbon trading and land rights under the Sarawak Land Code,” he told reporters after officiating at the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Special Convention yesterday at its headquarters, held in conjunction with the state’s 60 years of independence celebration.

Also present were Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, with members of the SUPP supreme council.

The idea of Sarawak having its own currency is something worth considering, says Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Stakan branch chairman Datuk Sim Kiang Chiok.

He said it would be like Sarawak having its currency again like the Brooke Rajah era when there was ‘Sarawak dollar’.

He also believed this could be like the UK, which had its own currency while being part of the European Union (EU) until it left the bloc in 2020.

“Sarawak can set up its own central bank with its own checks and balances, and with its own new currency.

“We have demand for our minerals such as oil and gas, goods and services, and green electricity and so on, that would create demand for our new proposed currency and bring in foreign exchange for our state.

“To start our own currency, Sarawak must be united and strong politically to ask for this right or devolution under Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

“Having our own currency again may shield or buffer our economy and business from good or bad situations (in Peninsular Malaysia),” he said.

Sim was commenting on Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi’s recent statement about the possibility of Sarawak introducing its own currency if the less favourable economy in Malaysia persisted.

Sim said with Sarawak’s own currency, it will allow the state to protect the value of its savings and gains from resources and services.

“Since we have formed Malaysia, we have then decided to be federated to improve security, have a bigger economy and stable politics for Sarawak and Malaysia.

“We have moved forward economically, with good security and developed into a modern country.

“Sarawak has also begun to restore our autonomous rights in certain matters under the MA63, and have amended Malaysia Constitution to incorporate all the MA63 and other agreements in 2021,” he said.