By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, June 29: Sarawak is better off today compared to 2011 when the Democratic Action Party (DAP) held 12 seats in the State Legislative Assembly (DUS), says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He said the State has since progressed significantly under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), while DAP’s representation has declined to just two seats following the 2021 State election.
“In 2011, the rockets (DAP) won 12 seats. Now we only have two rocket seats left. Was 2011 better, or is today’s 2026 Sarawak better?
“Our Sarawak is much better than it was in 2011. Why? Because the leadership has changed. It is no longer like those times,” he said when speaking at the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Kuching Branch 67th anniversary celebration last night (June 28). An audio recording of his speech was later shared with DayakDaily.
Dr Sim, who is also the SUPP president, claimed the opposition had failed to evolve despite Sarawak’s transformation under the GPS administration.
He also took aim at DAP’s criticism of various Sarawak initiatives, including the State Sales Tax (SST) on petroleum products, which he described as a key source of the State’s growing revenue.
He said DAP had opposed the tax when it was introduced in 2019 but that the revenue generated has since enabled Sarawak to roll out major initiatives, including free tertiary education and expanded social assistance.
“At that time, Sarawak DAP opposed it. Today, because of it, Sarawak has the revenue to fund Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) and other benefits for the people,” he added.
In a direct appeal ahead of the next State election, Dr Sim cautioned voters against repeating past political choices.
“Being fooled the first time is a mistake. Being fooled the second time? That’s on you. Being fooled the third time? That’s just foolish.
“Are you preparing to be fooled a fourth time?” he said.
Dr Sim also said voters should judge political parties by their ability to deliver tangible outcomes rather than rhetoric.
“Those who are trying to fool you will continue trying to fool you. Those who actually get things done will always find a way to get things done.
“Sarawakians must remember: build Sarawak. We must get things done, not just stand there putting on a show,” he emphasised.
Also present were SUPP Kuching branch acting chairman Jong Yean Pin and acting branch secretary-cum-branch Youth chairman Nicholas Wung Duk Ying. — DayakDaily
