By Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 4: Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has called on Sarawakians living abroad to return and contribute to their homeland, stressing that meaningful impact should not be measured solely in terms of salary but in the legacy of nation-building — as exemplified by the world-class Sarawak Heart Centre and the work of oncologist Dr Voon Pei Jye.
Speaking at the flag raising ceremony in conjunction with SUPP’s 66th anniversary celebration at the party headquarters today, Dr Sim said Sarawak has achieved remarkable progress through the commitment of Sarawakians who chose to return and serve, despite more lucrative opportunities overseas.
“I just want to say that every Sarawakian, no matter where you are, you can play your role and do your part. If you’ve got the opportunity to contribute, please come home. Of course, you cannot match your salary like in the UK, Australia or Singapore — but this is your home. It’s my home. It’s our home,” he said.
Dr Sim, a cardiologist by training, shared that when he returned to Sarawak 22 years ago to help establish the Sarawak Heart Centre, his salary was only RM3,130 a month.
Today, that centre has become a national success story, having saved over 200,000 lives and being the only Ministry of Health (MOH) heart centre in Malaysia ranked among the top 100 in the Asia Pacific region.
“The Sarawak Heart Centre wasn’t in the top 100 when I was head of department. It is now — meaning those who came after me are better than me. That’s what I call true nation building,” he said, adding that the upcoming Sarawak Cancer Centre will require more talents.
He highlighted the achievements of Dr Voon Pei Jye, a Bintulu-born oncologist who now leads Sarawak’s cancer treatment and research initiatives after extensive training in Singapore, the United States and Canada.
“Last year, Malaysia had six first-in-human cancer drug trials — five were done in Sarawak. This year, four were done in Malaysia, four in Sarawak,” he said.
Dr Sim, who is also Deputy Premier, pointed out that Dr Voon initially started with 27 research assistants last year but today leads a 40-member research team and was selected by Roche Medical to head a regional drug trial based at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) — not Singapore General Hospital — for the entire Southeast Asia region.
“This is the kind of excellence we are building here in Sarawak. People like Dr Voon could earn far more in Singapore, but they choose to stay because this is home,” he said.
Dr Sim stressed that Sarawak’s ongoing efforts to build health and education autonomy, as well as enforce its constitutional rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), require collective commitment from all Sarawakians.
“Whether through political parties like SUPP and GPS, or civic movements, we need everyone to play a role — formally or informally — in shaping Sarawak’s future as we look towards 2030 and 2050,” he urged.
He said Sarawak’s pursuit of autonomy and the Sarawak First agenda is not about greed, but a matter of reclaiming what is rightfully Sarawak’s under the law.
“We want our rights so that we can catch up with the rest of Malaysia. In the past, Malaysia did well but Sarawak was left behind. But you don’t have to worry because if Sarawak does well, Malaysia will also do well. That’s why MA63 and Sarawak First matter,” he emphasised.
Dr Sim concluded that while much has been achieved over the past 66 years of SUPP’s journey, there remains more to be done — and that journey calls on the strength, passion and patriotism of every Sarawakian, wherever they may be. — DayakDaily
