By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 1: Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap has slammed Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak’s Chong Chieng Jen and Violet Yong’s proposal for State-owned private hospitals charging public rates, describing it as ‘misguided, impractical and financially irresponsible’.
He said the proposal was unrealistic and ignored the constitutional structure of healthcare responsibilities.
“Healthcare is a federal government responsibility which is clearly provided under the Federal Constitution. All income tax, corporate tax and Sales and Service Tax (SST) collected from Sarawakians are paid directly to the federal government.
“Therefore, it is only right that Putrajaya fulfils its constitutional duty and responsibility to fund, build, and staff quality healthcare facilities for Sarawakians,” he said in a statement today.
Yap warned that such a move would push federal burdens onto the State and strain funds for other priorities.
“If Sarawak’s hospitals are overcrowded or under-equipped, Chong should raise the matter in Parliament and demand higher federal healthcare allocations and not propose that Sarawak shoulder a federal obligation without financial backing,” he added.
Yap pointed out that even though healthcare is under federal jurisdiction, the Sarawak government under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) continues to support federal efforts through various programmes.
These include welfare aid for senior citizens, upgrading rural clinics and mobile health services, and community-based healthcare initiatives.
“Sarawak has always stepped up to care for its people, but it is irresponsible for DAP to expect Sarawak to pay twice for healthcare, once through federal taxes, and again through State spending,” he said.
He stressed that health autonomy must come with fair federal funding, not just added responsibilities.
“This once again shows how desperate they are to remain relevant. DAP has yet to fulfil numerous promises made to the people, and instead of making new unrealistic proposals, DAP should concentrate on delivering on their existing commitments first,” he said.
Yap also called on DAP MPs to use their federal positions to ensure Sarawak receives fair healthcare allocations and real health autonomy with proper funding. — DayakDaily
