By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, April 9: Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has reminded elected representatives to verify the accuracy of claims before speaking out, even if their intentions are good and aimed at helping others.
Dr Sim, who is also the Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government (MPHLG), emphasised that while advocating for constituents is important, it must be grounded in facts.
“We have to realise that while we may want to fight for the people, it’s important to ensure that what we’re fighting for is the truth.
“That means we have a responsibility to verify the facts. It’s not a fair comment if it isn’t true,” he told reporters at a press conference on the masterplan held at Wisma Bapa Malaysia today.
Dr Sim was asked to comment following recent allegations made by Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong, who claimed in a Facebook post that a patient had waited nearly 20 hours at the Sarawak Heart Centre without being seen by a cardiologist.
The minister further expressed sympathy for healthcare professionals who, bound by strict federal regulations, are unable to publicly defend themselves.
“The doctors and nurses, unfortunately, are bound by strict federal government regulations. They can’t simply respond in the newspapers or on Facebook right away,” he said.
Dr Sim also expressed pride in the Sarawak Heart Centre, commending the institution’s dedication and professionalism in delivering healthcare services.
“Last year, the Sarawak Heart Centre was the only hospital under the Ministry of Health Malaysia listed among the top 100 specialised cardiology hospitals in the Asia Pacific.
“They have a solid reputation, and the year before that, they were also on the list. If it were true that there were no doctors for 20 hours, how could they be among the top 100?”
He added that while doctors rarely receive any honorary awards, the public should at least not mistreat them. — DayakDaily
