By Karen Bong
SIBU, Feb 17: Sarawak is gaining attention on both the national and international stage, but Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian warned that there are forces trying to disrupt the region’s progress through tactics such as investigations and arrests.
Dr Sim, who is also Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president, urged Sarawakians to stay united and resolute in their pursuit of the Sarawak’s goals, regardless of the disruptive forces that may arise.
“There are forces trying to ‘kacau’ (disturb) us because there are ‘anai-anai’ (termites) using investigations and arrests as weapon.
“We must be cautious about emergency orders and remain united. Let us not fall into traps that could stop us from pursuing our vision of becoming an advanced Sarawak by 2030,” he said during his recorded speech at the SUPP Chinese New Year celebration today.
The event was graced by Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Dr Sim went on to outline Sarawak’s pursuit of greater autonomy under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), emphasising the need to nurture local talent and strengthen the Sarawak’s education and healthcare system.
“We don’t want Sarawak to rise and then fall. We need education to sustain and elevate the values of Sarawak,” he said, stressing that education is key to Sarawak’s long-term success.
Drawing from his personal experiences abroad, he pointed out the importance of embedding strong Sarawakians values.
“I like to take taxis when visiting Singapore. The minute they know you are not Singaporean, the drivers will scold the government and share all the negative things. If you visit China, the driver will tell you how much they love their motherland.
“These are the values of a country. We Sarawakians must engrave our values in nation-building because Sarawak is yours, mine, and ours. The time to make an impact is now,” he stressed.
Shifting to healthcare, Dr Sim highlighted the rising costs and potential challenges facing the medical system.
He warned that, without healthcare autonomy, Sarawak could face a shortage of doctors, as 240 medical professionals have returned to Peninsula Malaysia.
“They want to send 200 more to Sarawak but only 20 came. With autonomy, we can employ and pay our own medical professionals. We will recognise these professionals. That’s why we set up the Sarawak Medical Committee. All these efforts are important for Sarawak nation-building.,” he added.
Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Deputy Tourism Minister Dato Sebastian Ting, Deputy Local Government Minister Michael Tiang, Deputy Education and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, and SUPP Youth Central chairman and SUPP Bawang Assan chief Kevin Lau were among the distinguished guests present. — DayakDaily
