By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, Dec 14: Sarawak United People Party (SUPP) president Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has denied claims of him having personal vindictiveness or hostality in his 2020 statements against Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen, despite his defeat during the 14th General Election in 2018.
The trial, involving Dr Sim and Chong, continued today with Dr Sim, the 13th witness, undergoing cross-examination by the defendant’s counsels.
Senior counsel Chong Siew Chiang questioned Dr Sim about statements made in the Borneo Post and DayakDaily on April 17, 2020, insinuating that they were driven by personal animosity resulting from the 2018 election defeat in the P196 Stampin seat.
Dr Sim firmly denied harbouring such feelings, emphasising his commitment as a medical doctor to value humanity, regardless of political differences.
He further rejected the notion that his statements aimed to nurture bitterness or malice against Chong.
During the cross-examination by counsel Michael Kong, Dr Sim disputed the assertion that all mayors and/or chairpersons of local councils in Sarawak are appointed based on political party nominations.
He clarified that nominations can come from anyone, with the Sarawak cabinet reviewing and recommending candidates to the Governor of Sarawak.
He emphasised that all mayors and/or chairpersons for local councils within Sarawak are appointed by the Governor of Sarawak.
As the Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Sarawak, Dr Sim asserted that mayors and/or chairpersons are directly accountable to him and the Ministry’s permanent secretary for any issues within their respective local councils.
Addressing the SUPP political hierarchy, he clarified Tan Kai’s role as the 10th witness, stating that Tan holds no position in the central hierarchy apart from being an annual delegates conference member. However, in the SUPP Pending branch, Tan serves as the deputy chairman.
When asked about Tan’s accountability, Dr Sim responded with a nuanced “yes and no”, explaining that, in both roles, they collaborate as a team, making joint decisions when necessary.
The cross-examination is ongoing, with Kong indicating intentions to cover new issues in subsequent questions.
High Court Judge Alwi Abdul Wahab has scheduled the trial to continue from Jan 31 to Feb 1, 2024, and Feb 5 to 8, 2024.
Dr Sim is represented by counsels Shankar Ram Asnani, Russell Lim and Yiu Ying Ying, while Chong is represented by counsels Chong Siew Chiang, Michael Kong and Sharon Lo. — DayakDaily
