MUSLIM countries need to look at creating a common currency in their bid to be more independent, Dr Mahathir Mohamad told the KL Summit 2019 today, reviving an idea he has mooted in the past.

“We are seriously looking into this and we hope that we will be able to find a mechanism to put it into effect,” the prime minister said when closing the gathering of leaders and scholars from Muslim countries.

He said that Malaysia had suggested reviving the idea of trading using the gold dinar and barter trade among Muslim countries. 

“Our focus is mainly on the economy, science and technology as well as the defence industry. But the most important aspect of all… is the need to be able to produce and create new indigenous technologies.

“For as long as we are dependent on the technology created by the enemies of Islam, they will forever be able to circumvent, dictate and control our efforts to improve our technologies and defence system in particular,” he added.

Dr Mahathir said the KL Summit had been successful, witnessing 18 exchange of instruments in various fields, including advanced hi-technology; media collaboration; centre of excellence; food security and youth leadership; and, exchange programmes.

“There are several more in the pipeline, which are being worked out, resulting from discussions during this summit,” Dr Mahathir said.

“While it may not allay some of the suspicions and opposition raised, we would like to reiterate that this summit is focused on its objectives of finding solutions and programmes that we believe can assist and eventually save the ummah from their current plight.” – December 21, 2019.