By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 23: “Dulu lawan, kini kawan, nanti lawan lagi” (Before they fought, then became friends, then fight again), this is how Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian described the constant changing political dynamics in Peninsular Malaysia.
As this year marks the 60th anniversary of Sarawak’s independence within Malaysia, Dr Sim has urged Sarawakians to remain focused and not to be distracted by the political situation.
“We also don’t want DAP (Democratic Action Party) Malaysia to keep on coming to apologise to Sarawak because DAP Sarawak is ‘lawan tetap lawan’,” he said, indicating DAP’s constant attack on the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government which is now part of the unity government.
Instead of the unnecessary fights, Dr Sim, who is also Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, pointed out the need to stay focused and continue to negotiate to have meaningful progress with the unity government in the implementation of health autonomy, education autonomy, one-third member of Parliament from Sabah and Sarawak, greater share of financial taxation from Sarawak under (Article) 112D and all other outstanding issues listed under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report.
“Jangan tengok saja (don’t look only). We have the once in a lifetime opportunity and responsibility to do it for all Sarawakians and future Sarawakians by all YB members of Malaysia from Sarawak for Sarawak. The time is now,” he said when delivering his winding-up speech in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting here today.
Dr Sim, who is also Batu Kawah assemblyman, reminded that every members of this august House and every Sarawakians must come together to help and realise the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) to ensure Sarawak will become the most prosperous region in Malaysia and the most inclusive for all regardless of race, religion, be it urban or rural, for society of all age and sectors by 2030.
“Additionally, by 2030, Sarawak will be environmentally sustainable, from the jungles of Borneo, we are champions in SDG and ESG. And by 2030, we are proud Sarawakians who uphold Sarawak values so that the rest of Malaysia can continue to be jealous of us,” he added. — DayakDaily
