By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Feb 13: Public perception often drives political debate in Sarawak more than facts, as the same set of facts can lead to very different conclusions depending on how they are presented, says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
“I shared an article when I was attending the Sarawak government meeting in Singapore. It carried the same parliamentary reply by law minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, the same question and answer, but it appeared under two very different headlines.
“One headline stated that PETRONAS invested about RM130 billion in Sarawak and over RM200 billion in Malaysia. Another headline highlighted that PETRONAS earned more than RM170 billion from Sarawak.
“It was the same reply and the same content, yet the framing was completely different. One focused on how much PETRONAS invested in Sarawak. The other focused on how much PETRONAS earned from Sarawak,” he said during his speech at a Chinese New Year Media Night at Theatre Hotel here yesterday (Feb 12).
Dr Sim stated such differences in framing shape how Sarawak’s demands and development needs are viewed, particularly outside the State.
“If I were from Peninsular Malaysia, I might ask, ‘Why are Sarawakians asking for more when so much has been invested in them?’ But from a Sarawak perspective, people may say, ‘If so much is earned from Sarawak, shouldn’t we receive a fair share?’
“Do you see how perception is shaped? That is how politics begins,” he said.
He said fair and balanced reporting is increasingly important as Sarawak’s standing in Malaysia continues to grow.
“Responsible reporting is key. Sarawak has made great strides, and people throughout Malaysia now look up to us with respect,” he said.
However, Dr Sim warned against simplistic narratives that solely focus on Sarawak’s revenue strength.
“Revenue growth alone should not define Sarawak. With stronger finances come heavier responsibilities and long-term commitments.
“Other states may depend on federal funding, but in Sarawak, we usually pay first from our own coffers. Without sufficient revenue, development simply cannot happen,” he added.
Looking ahead, he said, sustainability and collective effort are crucial to securing Sarawak’s future prosperity.
He also emphasised that journalists in Sarawak are central to both defending the State and fostering informed public discussion.
Dr Sim further encouraged Sarawakians to remain firm in advocating for the State’s rights regardless of political alignment.
“As John F. Kennedy said during his inauguration: ‘Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.’ The same principle applies to Sarawak,” he said. — DayakDaily
