By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, March 17: Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, has likened Sarawak’s push for a dedicated cancer hospital to having a skilled Formula One (F1) driver but lacking the car to race.
He urged the federal government to expedite the construction of the long-awaited cancer hospital in Sarawak, emphasising that Sarawak leaders are ready to commit while federal officials may not be around long enough to see the project through.
“During a recent meeting in Putrajaya, I told the Health Minister (Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad), everyone has agreed upon RM1 billion allocation. Let’s get on with it first.
“My Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) and I will still be around for the next five years, but I’m not sure how many of the officers in the federal ministry will be,” he said in his speech during the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing between Sarawak Energy Berhad and Roche Malaysia held at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) here today.
Dr Sim who is also Sarawak’s Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, further noted that the Health Director-General is set to retire in the coming months, while the Ministry’s secretary-general has about a year and a half left in office.
“Because we (Sarawak leaders) are the same people, we will commit to this cancer hospital. You don’t have to worry about it. Just get on with the job,” he added.
Dr Sim highlighted that Sarawak aims to become a regional centre of excellence in healthcare, comparing the State’s potential to an F1 driver without a proper car.
“Even without the facility (Sarawak Cancer Centre), people are already noticing us. With the facility, we will soar,” he said, adding that Sarawak’s annual budget is equivalent to 15 years of Penang’s budget and five years of Selangor’s.
Dr Sim expressed confidence that Sarawak’s transformation by 2030 will be remarkable if the cancer hospital becomes a reality. – DayakDaily
