By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Jan 8: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has dismissed speculation that he may switch constituencies to Pending in the next Sarawak election, stressing there is no reason for him to leave Batu Kawah, where he and the residents are content.
“I do not know where that speculation on me switching from Batu Kawah to Pending comes from. People in Batu Kawah are happy about me,” he told reporters after officiating the Mazu Statue Consecration Ceremony at the new Mazu Temple in Muara Tebas today.
Dr Sim, who is the Batu Kawah assemblyman, emphasised his dedication to his current constituency, noting that both he and the people of Batu Kawah remain satisfied.
“I am happy about Batu Kawah. So why do I need to move? People are happy about me. You ask the people of Batu Kawah. People in Batu Kawah are happy about me. I am happy about Batu Kawah. And we still got so many things that we want to do in Batu Kawah,” he said.
He also highlighted Batu Kawah’s strategic importance as a developing satellite area of Kuching, saying continued progress and development remain his priority.
“As I said, people are happy about me and I am happy about Batu Kawah. That’s the answer already. I don’t know where the speculation comes from. You may have to go and ask someone else. Who else wants to take my seat? Who is trying to take my seat?”
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, who was also present, noted that the rumours likely originated from a comment during his recent ShallWeeTalk Facebook Live session.
“You cannot stop the press from picking up the news to write. I was quite surprised too. But like what Deputy Premier has said, you have to have a good reason. Because I think a responsible candidate or elected representative should not just shift from one place to another,” he said.
Wee emphasised that elected representatives have a duty to serve the constituents who trusted and supported them, rather than seeking new territories.
“Don’t run away because you did not fulfill what you are supposed to do,” he added.
On Jan 4, Wee had also urged the public not to overreact to speculation regarding Dr Sim potentially contesting Pending in the next State polls, noting that rumours tend to circulate as elections approach. He highlighted that voters should focus on whether their elected representatives have delivered on their promises.
The next Sarawak state election is to be held no later than April 15, 2027. — DayakDaily
