GPS’ inclusive and financially independent govt leading Sarawak towards new progress

Dr Sim reading his oath of office during the swearing-in ceremony. Photo credit: Penerangan and Ukas

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, Jan 5: With an inclusive and representative new Cabinet as well as financial independence, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government will write a new chapter of success and progress for Sarawak. 

Deputy Chief Minister Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian emphasised that Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s new Sarawak Cabinet is an inclusive one as reflected in the former’s appointment as one of the deputy chief ministers. 

“I want to thank CM Abang Jo(hari) for appointing me as one the deputy chief ministers. It shows that in Sarawak, we are inclusive with representation from Dayak, Malay and Chinese,” he said after the swearing-in ceremony for all Sarawak Cabinet members at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex here last night (Jan 4). 

Dr Sim, who is also Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, added that it is a very exciting time for Sarawak’s future, given the State’s financial independence that will allow it to further continue its efforts to shape Sarawak’s growth towards becoming an advanced and high income State by 2030. 

“Such as the cancer hospital which was supposed to be funded by the Ministry of Health (MOH) but for the sake of the people of Sarawak, Abang Johari decided to put out the fund first and Putrajaya can pay later,” he explained. 

Moving ahead with the state’s very own Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS30), Dr Sim said the government aims to increase the income of Sarawakians from below RM5,000 to RM15,000 per household. 

“The development plan for the next 10 years for Sarawak is extremely exciting. Not only the longstanding issue of infrastructure will be resolved, but also in new areas like the digital economy and the new talents we need to nurture and develop.

“There is a lot of work to do. Everyone must work together to achieve that. 

“If we stay united, the best of Sarawak is coming and everyone can be very proud to be a Sarawakian,” he added.