By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Sept 27: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian today inaugurated the RM1.9 million Hui Sing Community Centre and Library at Hui Sing Park, describing it as the first facility of its kind in the country.
Dr Sim praised the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) for its commitment to enhancing public parks through innovative urban development, noting that public spaces must evolve alongside changing societal needs.
“While our parks were once primarily viewed as playgrounds for children, we are now evolving to ensure they serve everyone, including our elderly residents, by incorporating inclusive amenities,” he said to reporters after the launch, which also saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MBKS and non-governmental organisation Little Bean Storyland.
Dr Sim noted that public parks are evolving beyond simple playgrounds to include facilities for all ages, with new specialised features designed to serve the elderly and foster community inclusivity.
He also praised MBKS for innovatively integrating libraries and community centres into public parks to support Sarawak’s nation-building.
According to Dr Sim, such spaces can foster unity, strengthen community values and encourage a greater sense of personal responsibility. He elaborated that the new facility supports nation-building by transforming local parks into inclusive, intergenerational community hubs.
He praised the collaborative effort, noting that partnering with local musicians and readers transforms parks into shared community assets.
“Building a nation requires moving beyond a ‘not my responsibility’ mindset to embrace collective action, treating these public spaces as our shared assets rather than government property.”
Dr Sim thanked MBKS, the project partners and local musicians for their contributions, while urging musicians to inspire younger generations to appreciate and preserve their musical heritage.
He stressed that nurturing children’s interest in cultural heritage from a young age was important.
“Allowing them to interact with instruments represents progress, and seeing them join musical groups signifies success,” he said.
Dr Sim said talent development should begin at the grassroots level rather than relying solely on government funding, stressing that nation-building required proactive participation and shared commitment from the community.
Also present were Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap Yau Sin, MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, his deputy Dato Suhaili Zaedi, Political Secretary to the Premier’s Office Kho Teck Wan, Deputy Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Desmond Douglas Jerukan, Little Bean Storyland chairman Nicole Siaw, as well as MBKS councillors and community leaders. — DayakDaily
