By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Jan 15: Sarawak’s identity card (IC) bears the letter “K” symbolising “king” and associated privileges, while Sabah’s IC carries “H” for “hope”, and Peninsular Malaysia’s ICs have nothing.
Highlighting this, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian underscored the importance of maintaining unity and harmony in Sarawak, urging Sarawakians to protect the progress achieved and prevent external forces from sowing division and causing disruptions.
“Today’s Sarawak is the envy of many, where people of various races live harmoniously and peacefully, united in purpose. As the late Tok Nan (former Sarawak Chief Minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem) often said, ‘We eat together, find girlfriends together,’ and today, we even get fat together.
“Sarawak has transformed over the past decade. People now have higher expectations and aspirations for Sarawak, and this is all thanks to the harmony and mutual respect that make Sarawak unique and strong,” he said when addressing the pavilion lighting ceremony in conjunction with the Lunar New Year 2025 at Poh Kwong Park in Green Road here tonight.
Dr Sim, also the Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, highlighted that Sarawak’s revenue in 2024 reached RM15.8 billion.
“In just one year, Sarawak’s revenue exceeds that of Penang by 15 years and Selangor by five years,” he said.
While acknowledging that Sarawak may be behind in some areas, he expressed optimism that, with its growing wealth, Sarawak will not only catch up quickly but surpass other states in Malaysia, similar to the rapid progress seen in China.
“This is due to our stability and harmony. It’s not just about wealth; our unity has allowed us to focus on achieving great things, with the goal of prosperity for all by 2030. Sarawak will be even more different in five years,” he added.
He further asserted that while independence is not necessary, increased wealth will allow Sarawak to make significant investments, such as acquiring stakes in companies like Affin Bank and managing its own ports.
Dr Sim also highlighted that the latest Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS) or basic needs aid, a programme that will benefit over 850,000 Sarawakians is just the beginning.
“With increasing revenue, the government can channel even more aid by 2030. By then, we hope to offer more than RM1,200 givent to Sarawakians this year,” he said.
Looking ahead, he spoke of the promise of free tertiary education in 2026, where Sarawakian students will receive RM30,000 in tuition assistance.
“This is a critical time for Sarawak, and our children must take their roles in nation-building seriously,” he stated.
However, Dr Sim stressed that pride in being Sarawakian must be accompanied by strong values and standards.
“We must nurture more talent to continue our efforts and legacy.
“Today’s Sarawak is different, and we must continue moving forward. Unity is the key to becoming stronger and building a more prosperous Sarawak,” he said, concluding with well-wishes for health and prosperity in 2025. — DayakDaily
