By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Jan 25: The full display of collective leadership by the Chinese community and media groups has enabled Sarawak to overcome the adversity caused by Covid-19 as well as ensure Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) achieved victory in the last 12th Sarawak Election.
Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian highlighted this when extending his gratitude to Sarawak Chinese associations and media groups for playing an important role and collaboration in bringing positive changes in the face of a global crisis.
“It is with Sarawak solidarity that we are able to manage and progress well despite the biggest health crisis in 100 years that has claimed thousands of lives.
“Covid-19 has given us the opportunity to show our unity and strength. They say to see how successful a country is depends on how we grow throughout the crisis.
“Now we must continue to come together as we march forward towards becoming a prosperous, strong, inclusive and sustainable Sarawak by 2030,” he said during a media appreciation event organised by the Federation of Chinese Associations of Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Divisions held at its headquarters here today.
As Sarawak moved into high gear with the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategies (PCDS) 2030 to elevate it into a high income and advanced State, Dr Sim reminded Sarawakians to heed the advice of the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem to take good care of Sarawak.
He noted that Sarawak has achieved several key milestones in the last few years with the first in 2014 when the late Adenan set the priority for all to take good care of Sarawak.
“The second milestone was in 2018 when Sarawak (GPS) became politically independent. With that, we are able to focus on what we want to do to elevate Sarawak without being disturbed by the disruptions in Peninsular Malaysia.
“The third milestone was also in 2018 when we gained financial independence and that has enabled Sarawak to grow tremendously. Otherwise, how is the State government able to channel RM5.3 billion to assist Sarawakians through BKSS (Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang)?
“No other state in Malaysia can do so. These are the turning points for Sarawak,” he added.
As Sarawak will usher in the Year of the Tiger soon, Dr Sim urged all to get their priorities right by praying for peace first, good health second and happiness third in order to enjoy all the blessings of luck and fortune that would come along.
Meanwhile, federation president Dato Richard Wee also thanked the media organisations for their close collaboration with and support for Chinese associations throughout the past year.
“Although we are unable to hold a bigger celebration with the media for the second year in a row, we have simplified it to convey our thanks to the media with some tokens of appreciation,” he said.
Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap and other Chinese community leaders were among those present. — DayakDaily
