Call to continue supporting GPS reps

KANOWIT: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has urged the people here to continue supporting the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) representatives (YBs).

He said that in just five years, Kanowit had shown rapid progress and development.

“The last time I was here was five years ago before COVID-19. It’s been a while. Today, when I came here, I was shocked to see how much Kanowit had developed.

“All these developments were made possible because of our YBs here. So, ‘jangan ubah YB sini’ (do not change your YB here)  because with GPS’s YBs, there are changes (development),” he said.

Dr Sim, who is also the Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, said this in his speech when officiating at the opening ceremony of the Kanowit Waterfront and Pesta Kanowit at the Kanowit Waterfront today (Sept 20).

Meanwhile, during a press conference after the event, Dr Sim urged parents and the younger generation to explore the green economy industry.

“Last year, PETRONAS announced that between now and 2030, at least 200,000 jobs will be created in this new field (green energy), and most of these will occur in Sarawak as we are the most progressive in terms of green energy in Malaysia.

“This is a time for nation-building. If you are overseas, now is the time to come back and contribute to Sarawak. Our GPS government is even investing in free education to ensure that our ‘anak-anak’ Sarawak will be knowledgeable in this field,” he added.

Regarding the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), Dr Sim emphasised that although Sarawak’s revenue reached almost RM17 billion this year, it did not mean that Sarawak was rich.

“Sarawak is equivalent in size to Peninsular Malaysia. Therefore, we need more funding to build our infrastructure, which is why we keep discussing MA63,” he added.

Dr Sim stressed that many people failed to realise that MA63 must be implemented and negotiated.

“Due to the Emergency Ordinance in 1969, the allocation stopped. Only last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim allocated RM300 million to us while this year, we received RM600 million.

“If this funding had been provided since 1969, we wouldn’t be facing issues such as the dilapidation of 70 per cent of the clinics in Sarawak.

“This funding was halted in 1969. Before that (Emergency Ordinance), we only received about RM16 million. That’s why we always emphasise MA63, and we hope the people of Malaysia understand the history and our position,” he added.

Also present were Minister of National Unity Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, Ngemah assemblyman Anyi Jana, Machan assemblyman Allan Siden Gramong and Sibu Resident Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman.