Reject division, stand united: SUPP chief says it’s time for Sarawak to rise, move fast, act

Dr Sin (centre) flanked by Riot on his left along with other distinguished guests cutting the cake to mark SUPP Batu Lintang Branch's 39th Anniversary celebration at a restaurant in Kuching on Jan 31, 2026.

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, Jan 31: Deputy Premier and Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian called on party members and all Sarawakians to reject divisive and extreme ideologies, urging unity as Sarawak enters a critical phase of nation-building where it must stand up, grow stronger, move fast and push hard with action, not just talk.

Speaking at the SUPP Batu Lintang Branch 39th Anniversary Commemoration and Year of the Horse Lunar New Year celebration dinner at a restaurant here tonight, Dr Sim said Sarawak could not afford division if it wanted to continue progressing as a stable, confident and respected region.

“A divided society cannot move forward. This is Sarawak’s time to stand up, to grow stronger and to move fast. Every Sarawakian has a role to play, and we must act, not just talk,” he said.

Dr Sim said the dinner marked not only the Batu Lintang Branch’s 39th anniversary but also SUPP’s 67-year journey in contributing to Sarawak’s development through commerce, education and political stability.

He credited the party’s founders, past and present leaders, as well as grassroots members for keeping SUPP relevant and strong over the decades, despite challenges and periods of limited support.

“This has not been easy. Because of you, SUPP has stayed true to its founding mission… unity among Sarawak’s many races for the sake of Sarawak. We have no other agenda and no other goal,” he said.

Dr Sim said SUPP’s contributions since the 1970s, particularly in education and economic development, had helped shape today’s Sarawak, adding that political stability maintained by the ruling coalition was a key factor behind the State’s progress.

He noted that Sarawak today was very different from a decade ago, when it was often underestimated, but has now emerged as a State that others respect and look to with expectation.

“Ten years ago, Sarawak was looked down upon. Today, Sarawak is trusted, respected and seen as full of potential,” he said, citing growing recognition of Sarawak’s governance model and economic strength.

Dr Sim stressed that wealth alone was not enough to ensure long-term success, warning that without strong values, unity and capable successors, progress could stall.

“Sarawak’s future is not a problem as the path is already clear. Our biggest challenge now is whether the next generation can continue this journey. That is why education and values are so important,” he said.

He highlighted the Sarawak government’s commitment to human capital development, including education assistance for Sarawakian students regardless of background, free tertiary education and the establishment of international schools with subsidised access for lower-income families.

“This is about building Sarawak, not just for today, but for generations to come,” he said.

Dr Sim also expressed pride in Sarawakians who have succeeded globally, saying their achievements reflected the strength of Sarawak’s people and values, whether they choose to return home or contribute from abroad.

As the Year of the Horse begins, he urged Sarawakians to move forward with determination and urgency as Sarawak is now at a critical stage of nation-building.

“This is not the time to slow down. It is time to push hard, move fast and build Sarawak together,” he said.

Serian MP Dato Sri Richard Riot Jaem, Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato wee Hong Seng, SUPP Batu Lintang Branch chairman Sih Hua Tong as well as event organising chairman, who is also SUPP Batu Lintang Branch secretary Prof Dr Wang Yin Chai were among the distinguished guests present. – DayakDaily