By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 3: Political secretary to the Sarawak Premier, Kho Teck Wan, has questioned Democratic Action Party (DAP) for proposing “non-profit private hospitals,” calling it an attempt to shift federal healthcare failures onto Sarawak.
Kho reminded that healthcare is a federal responsibility under the Federal Constitution, stressing that Sarawak already contributes significantly through oil and gas revenue, as well as income tax and State Sales Tax (SST) to Putrajaya.
“Why should Sarawakians be asked to pay again for what the federal government is duty-bound to deliver?” she said in a statement today.
She was responding to recent calls by DAP Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen and the party’s youth wing (DAPSY) for the State to establish State-owned private hospitals as a way to deliver better healthcare services.
Kho, who is also Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Women chief, further said instead of fighting for fair federal funding, DAP is trying to make Sarawakians “pay three times” through oil and gas contributions, through taxes paid daily, and again through the State’s coffers.
“DAPSY calls this ‘leadership that prioritises people’s welfare’, but let’s call it what it is — deflection from DAP’s failure in Putrajaya to defend Sarawak’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),” she asserted.
Kho also criticised DAPSY’s argument that the Sarawak government should prioritise hospitals over plans for a new airport, describing it as an attempt to divide public opinion.
“This echoes Chong’s earlier statement in August urging Sarawak to forgo a new airport and merely upgrade the existing Kuching International Airport (KIA). Why does DAP Sarawak always insist that Sarawak settle for less?” she asked.
Reiterating that Sarawak deserves both a modern transportation system and improved healthcare facilities, Kho said these developments should be funded fairly through the State’s existing contributions to the federal government.
“As recognised globally, transportation is a key driver of economic growth. Sarawak needs both the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system and a new airport to propel our economy, enhance connectivity and create opportunities for our people.
“Why does DAP not want to see Sarawak prosper and advance?” she questioned further.
Kho asserted that Sarawak should not be penalised for DAP’s failure to secure development and healthcare funding in Putrajaya.
“Sarawakians expect progress and we will not allow DAP’s shortcomings to be pushed onto our State budget,” she emphasised. — DayakDaily
