Rethink RM2mil deposit for businessmen to move to Sarawak, says Zaid
Zaid Ibrahim said West Malaysians will go in droves to Sarawak because ‘it is the Malaysia they wish they had but is not to be’.
PETALING JAYA: Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim has urged Sarawak to reconsider the proposed RM2 million deposit requirement for West Malaysian businessmen wishing to migrate to the state, saying this high cost would deter “good quality Malaysians” from moving there.
Zaid said the open migration policy mooted recently is welcome news, but he was disappointed by the proposed RM2 million deposit rule.
“RM2 million is a lot of money for many of us, and Sarawak is rich enough not to use this migration policy to enrich its coffers.
“Of course, the prime minister announced that Terengganu could be out of poverty in two weeks, but he said nothing about Kelantan. Maybe in four weeks. Still, being out of poverty and having RM2 million to spare is a long way,” he said in a post on X.
Zaid, a former Kota Bharu MP, said it would be in Sarawak’s interest to attract as many migrants as possible.
“The current population is too low to lead Sarawak into overdrive. Quality people can bring value to Sarawak’s economy, such as good teachers, builders, tailors, and restaurateurs, but they may not have RM2 million,” he said.
Thus, he said, the Sarawak cabinet must reconsider the amount of money required to migrate to the state.
“Good-quality Malaysians will come in droves because they know Sarawak is the Malaysia they wish they had but is not to be.
“Through hard work, they will give back to Sarawak more than RM2 million, which they may not be able to find now. Sarawak’s future depends not just on money but people,” he said.
Last month, deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof suggested making it mandatory for West Malaysian businessmen to deposit RM2 million into a state-owned bank in order to migrate to Sarawak.
Fadillah also said the Sarawak government could require such businessmen to purchase property worth at least RM1.5 million before allowing them in.
Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg welcomed the suggestion and said it would be discussed soon by the state government.