KUCHING, Jan 23: The year 2020 will be full of variables and tough challenges ahead for Malaysians, especially with the current economic downturn, depreciation of currency and high inflation, warned Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
The Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president, in his Chinese New Year message, said as Malaysians are facing hard time to struggle for a living, country leaders must come up with a strategic solution to tackle current issues to spur economic growth instead of putting too much effort in fighting their political rivals.
“Another issue facing Malaysia is the extremism that has recently grown arrogantly. An example was the recent banning of Chinese New Year decoration at SMK Bandar Puchong 1 in Selangor and the attempt to challenge Chinese and Tamil schools’ legal status in the constitution,” Sim lamented, adding that all these will jeopardise racial harmony in the country.
He also warned that if the leaders ignored and not taking any action against extremists, Malaysia might fall into a chaotic situation.
Dr Sim, who is also the Local Government and Housing Minister, said Sarawakians are proud of the racial harmony and mutual respect in the state.
“All Sarawakians should safeguard Sarawak by giving their strong support to our state government on banning the entry of extremist into Sarawak, in order to avoid the bad influences brought by them,” he continued.
He believed that under the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) ruling, the state government is able to take good care of Sarawakian’s welfare.
Among the people-centric policies implemented by Sarawak government are Endowment Fund Sarawak (EFS) of RM1,000 each for Sarawakian newborn, free school bus services, RM450 incentive programme for every Sarawakian woman giving birth, monthly free RM5 water tariff for all household and flight ticket subsidy for Sarawakians studying in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah.
Others included the free RM5,000 electricity connection fee or 70 per cent subsidy for those between RM5,000 and RM10,000, Kenyalang Gold Card for Sarawakian aged 60 above, RM30 million trust fund to help Sarawakian PTPTN borrower on their repayment and RM90 million funding for the setting up of Sarawak Coastal Guard, Dr Sim said.
“Sarawak government goals and vision is very clear and firm, that is to achieve extraordinary economic result by year 2030. Hence, the state needs to seek various ways to increase revenue and eventually turned into a wealthy state.
“Sarawak wants to be self-reliant through economic standing and Sarawak’s wealth belongs to all Sarawakian. Under coexistence and prosperity concept, all Sarawak races will be enjoying the prosperous and harmonious living here,” he opined. — DayakDaily
