By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Jan 10: Sarawak’s focused development spending over just four years has outpaced what states in Peninsula Malaysia, such as Penang, have achieved in six decades.
Highlighting this, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian called on Sarawakians to recognise these transformative achievements and stand united behind the government’s bold development agenda.
“One year of Sarawak’s budget (RM15.8 billion) equals 15 years of Penang’s. We started behind, but let me be clear—two years of Sarawak’s development spending matches 30 years of Penang.
“One year here equals five in Selangor. So don’t tell me Sarawak can’t catch up in five years. Not only did we catch up—we overtook them.
“Our total development budgets equal 60 years of Penang’s. It took them 60 years; we did it in four. Do you think those critics are happy to see us succeed? I want every Sarawakian to understand this reality,” he asserted when addressing the Chinese New Year gathering with Sarawak’s media at a hotel here tonight.
Dr Sim, who is also Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, criticised opportunitic politicians for claiming that Sarawak is wealthy while its people remain poor.
“Our success presents both opportunities and threats—this is natural. Every Sarawakian holds an identity card marked with a ‘K’. We must not only safeguard this privilege but also defend Sarawak, just as the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem did and as Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg continues to do.
“If you love Sarawak, stand up. When people criticise or attack us without reason, we must defend ourselves. Jangan tengok (don’t just watch),” he urged.
Dr Sim also called on Sarawakian media practitioners to actively contribute to Sarawak’s nation-building efforts.
“We must be vigilant about potential disruptions to stay focused on achieving our 2030 vision. The Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 is a comprehensive plan to build Sarawak with a long-term perspective after 60 years.
“People will want to see us fail. Therefore, being united is not enough—we must fight back. This is why the media plays a crucial role in safeguarding and defending Sarawak. You must be more professional and faster than artificial intelligence (AI),” he said.
Dr Sim also cautioned that many outsiders may seek to claim the “K” identity and become Sarawakians.
“We have been generous in sharing, but we also want what rightfully belongs to Sarawak to be returned so we can better care for the wellbeing of our people, including in the healthcare sector,” he stated.
He concluded by expressing gratitude to the media for their hard work and urged continued dedication.
“The biggest red packet (angpow) is to see Sarawak succeed and prosper. Let’s come together to build and develop Sarawak. Thank you to the media for your excellent work last year, and I hope you’ll achieve even greater success this year. ‘Jaga Sarawak baik-baik’ (take good care of Sarawak),” he said.
Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap, Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang, Meradong assemblyman Datuk Ding Kuong Hiing, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Tan Kai were present. — DayakDaily
