Deputy Premier calls for opposition to be voted out, citing SST’s RM5.3 billion contribution

Dr Sim (fourth left) together with SUPP members during its Pending Branch 42nd Anniversary Celebration and 67th SUPP Anniversary Celebration dinner at a restaurant in Kuching on June 4, 2026.

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, June 5: Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has urged Sarawakians to reject opposition and Peninsular-based parties at the ballot box, reminding that their opposition to the State Sales Tax (SST) could have deprived Sarawak of the RM5.3 billion in revenue expected to be collected this year.

Speaking at the SUPP Pending Branch 42nd Anniversary Celebration and 67th SUPP Anniversary Celebration dinner last night (June 4), Dr Sim said Sarawakians must stay away from what he described as “toxic and divisive politics” and support policies that strengthen the State’s financial independence.

“So people must remember to stay away from toxic and divisive politics. Our people must use our loudest voice to vote them out of Sarawak. Sarawakians must rise up now and be brave enough to speak,” he said.

Dr Sim pointed to the SST as a key example of a policy that has significantly strengthened Sarawak’s finances despite facing opposition when it was first introduced.

He said SST revenue amounted to RM3.9 billion last year and is expected to reach RM5.3 billion this year.

“Without this, Sarawak would need to kneel down and ask for help from Putrajaya,” he said.

The Deputy Premier noted that when the SST legislation was tabled in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly, opposition lawmakers from the Democratic Action Party (DAP) opposed it.

He also claimed that former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, former finance minister Lim Guan Eng and Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen were among those who criticised the tax.

“Today, SST has become a stable source of revenue for Sarawak. Without it, how can we provide free education, education assistance and build bridges for our people?” he asked.

According to Dr Sim, the State’s growing revenue base has enabled the Sarawak government to implement major development initiatives and social programmes without having to rely heavily on federal allocations.

“People must see the results today. SST has become a major source of revenue that allows Sarawak to stand on its own feet and plan for its future,” he said.

Dr Sim stressed that elected representatives should focus on delivering tangible outcomes for the people rather than merely advocating for checks and balances.

“Elected representatives must see the bigger picture and be smart. They cannot just talk about checks and balances but must also act and deliver,” he said.

He added that Sarawak’s continued prosperity and financial independence are essential to ensuring the wellbeing of future generations and strengthening the State’s position within the Federation.

Dr Sim also warned against importing political culture from Peninsular Malaysia, which he described as increasingly divisive and confrontational.

“Sarawak must be strong and prosperous to ensure our people progress. We must continue to be united and maintain stability while building a better future for Sarawak,” he said. — DayakDaily