KUCHING – Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg has welcomed Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof’s proposal for Sarawak to impose a minimum deposit of RM2 million into a local bank or property purchase for RM1.5 million for business people who want to migrate to the state.
Abang Johari said there is no problem for the state government to offer permanent resident (PR) status to business people from the peninsula who wish to move there, as long as they are willing to invest or buy property worth more than RM1.5 million.
“I agree with the deputy prime minister. It means many people have seen Sarawak. Sarawak now is like a gem.
“And now, if you look at our performance, we have overtaken Johor. We are in the top three. And soon maybe we can overtake Selangor.
“That’s why, many people have expressed their interest to move here. However, we want people who can bring new ideas.
“If you want to be a PR and not a citizen, then why not?,” he said when met during the launching of the national level World Water Day celebration at Kuching Waterfront today
Citing Singapore as an example, Abang Johari believed that imposing such a measure would enable the state to generate more income.
“It will generate development from the housing point of view…Singapore does that. Did you know one of the Singapore ministers is from Miri?” he said.
Abang Johari stressed that while Sarawak welcomes such proposals, it will be restricted to PR status and not Sarawak citizen status.
“Indeed, I welcome those who can generate employment for us and give them PR status. But this offer is for those who are willing to invest money here. If not, I’m sorry, they cannot be given PR status,” he said.
Fadillah, who made the proposal yesterday, said Sarawak’s harmony and political stability had become key attractions for “many business friends in the peninsula” who want to migrate to the state.
“If they want to migrate to Sarawak, I say they can. So I want to suggest to the premier – when we have our own bank later, those wishing to migrate to Sarawak must make a minimum deposit of RM2 million in our state-owned bank, or purchase property here for no less than RM1.5 million.
“This at least can generate income for our state. They can also get PR status in Sarawak,” he had said.
In February, Abang Johari mentioned that Sarawak was in talks with Affin Bank Bhd to be a block shareholder to further strengthen the state’s economy. This would make Sarawak an influential shareholder in the bank. – April 28, 2024