Latest news with #DrSimKuiHian
Free Malaysia Today
3 days ago
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Prove ‘divisive' label, Sarawak DAP tells Sim
Sarawak DAP secretary Violet Yong said SUPP's willingness to work with PAS under the PN government is not in line with Sarawak's multicultural values. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Sarawak DAP has challenged Sarawak deputy premier Dr Sim Kui Hian to prove his claim that the party is 'divisive'. Sarawak DAP secretary Violet Yong reminded Sim that his Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) had worked with Perikatan Nasional (PN) and its influential component PAS when Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chose to align with PN in 2020. In a statement to FMT, Yong said this was proof that SUPP was willing to work with 'extremists' whose agendas ran counter to Sarawak's multicultural values. 'That decision alone speaks volumes about their priorities and the compromises they are willing to make in the name of political expediency,' she said. 'I challenge Dr Sim to point to a single example where DAP has ever divided Sarawakians. When have we ever played the politics of race or religion? The answer is never.' Sim said yesterday that Sarawak had enjoyed prolonged political stability because DAP was never part of the state government. The GPS vice-chairman also said that DAP was divisive and polarising, Dayak Daily reported. Yong, the Pending assemblyman, accused Sim of 'political ignorance and whitewashing' with his statement, calling it a 'gross insult' to the fundamentals of parliamentary democracy. She said DAP, which won only two out of 82 seats at the last state polls, accepted the results and had worked on being an effective opposition by providing checks and balances. 'That is the essence of democracy – not blind obedience to those in power, but principled service to the rakyat. 'True political stability is achieved when every voice is heard, when power is held accountable, and when governance is inclusive – not when the ruling elite is shielded from scrutiny.'
Free Malaysia Today
5 days ago
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Sarawak stable because ‘divisive' DAP not in state govt, says Sim
Sarawak deputy premier Dr Sim Kui Hian said Gabungan Parti Sarawak must be on guard against enemies both within and outside the state, and even within the ruling state coalition. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Sarawak has enjoyed prolonged political stability because DAP has never been part of the state government, says deputy premier Dr Sim Kui Hian. He claimed DAP was divisive and polarising, adding that it had not shed these attributes over time, Dayak Daily reported. The Sarawak United Peoples' Party (SUPP) president added that the Bornean state was a beacon of unity and progress at a time when the entire world, including Peninsular Malaysia, was bogged down by disunity and politicking. 'We are blessed with political stability under the visionary leadership of Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg. This is because we do not have DAP in the Sarawak government. 'They are always divisive, polarising and politicking, disguising their actions as championing the people's cause,' he was quoted as saying in the Sarawak legislative assembly today. Sim, a vice-chairman of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), said GPS must be on guard against enemies both within and outside Sarawak, and even within the ruling state coalition. FMT has reached out to several Sarawak DAP leaders for comment.
Malay Mail
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Sarawak assembly passes Bill to boost grassroots governance, raise councillor numbers in key councils
KUCHING, May 20 — The Sarawak legislative assembly has unanimously passed the Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill 2025, aimed at strengthening grassroots governance and improving public service delivery across the state. The Bill, tabled by Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, amends the Local Authorities Ordinance in response to Sarawak's growing population and increasingly complex community needs. 'There are currently 27 councils under my ministry, including the newly established Gedong, Sebuyau, and Siburan district councils. All operate under the councillorship system to serve their local communities,' he explained. Eight assembly members took part in the debate involving key amendments to Sections 10 and 11 of the ordinance to increase the number of councillors in five major councils. Under the amendment, the Kuching South City Council, Miri City Council and the municipal councils of Sibu, Padawan and Kota Samarahan will each have 33 councillors, up from 30. 'This number excludes the mayor, deputy mayor, and deputy chairman,' he added. Dr Sim said the increase in councillors was necessary to manage the rising workload, particularly in urban areas where public demands are becoming more varied and complex. 'This move will boost grassroots participation, strengthen community engagement, and enhance service delivery to the rakyat,' he said. An amendment to Section 172A also empowers the State Cabinet to revise all schedules under the ordinance, allowing greater flexibility in managing local government affairs. Dr Sim reiterated the importance of the councillorship system in promoting inclusive participation and good governance, ensuring development is people-centred and locally relevant. 'With this amendment, councils will be better equipped to meet expectations for efficient and effective service delivery,' he emphasised. — Bernama
Free Malaysia Today
09-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
We're fighting for Sarawak's next 100 years, says deputy premier
Dr Sim Kui Hian at the opening of the Borneo Eco Show, a sustainable design forum and trade show in Kuching today. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA : The outcome of talks between Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim over the state's oil and gas rights will shape the state's economic growth for the next century, says deputy premier Dr Sim Kui Hian. He said the discussions centred on legal provisions and Sarawak's rightful ownership of its natural resources – talks that involve 'big money' and could significantly boost the state's revenue. However, he said the real long-term value lies not in the upfront cash, but in Sarawak's gas reserves, a strategic asset for the state's future. 'Sarawak's gas is our next 100 years. We are almost the fifth or sixth largest gas holder in the world. That's why it is important for us to have our own laws to safeguard our interests,' he said. 'How much is (at stake) with the talks between the premier and the prime minister now? Well, if it's successful, RM5 billion can buy all the shophouses in Sibu, and another RM5 billion can buy all the shophouses in Miri. That's RM10 billion upfront. 'Next year, if it is still the same amount of money, you'll be buying all the shophouses in Kuching. 'After that, what are you going to buy? There will be no more shophouses to buy in Sarawak. That's the kind of money we are talking about,' he said at the opening of the Borneo Eco Show in Kuching today, Dayak Daily reported. Last Sunday, Anwar called for calm and restraint amid escalating tensions between national oil firm Petronas and Sarawak's state-owned Petros over their licensing dispute. Citing the need to protect mutual interest, the prime minister urged all parties to hold off any action or public statement until further discussions are held, following a conversation with Abang Johari on Saturday. Petronas has confirmed that its exploration subsidiary Petronas Carigali had received a notice on April 30 from the Sarawak utility and telecommunications ministry accusing it of operating the Miri crude oil terminal without a state licence. The state has given the company 21 days to rectify the matter, failing which it would face financial penalties under the state's Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016. Petronas maintains that its operations are authorised under federal law and has expressed willingness to engage with both federal and state governments to ensure regulatory clarity.
