SUPP branches slam Tiong for singling out Dr Sim over Jln Pahlawan shophouse collapse

SIBU (Feb 20): Six Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) branches have expressed disappointment over recent remarks by Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) President Datuk Sri Tiong King Sing, who publicly singled out Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian over the Feb 13 Jalan Pahlawan shophouse collapse.

In a joint statement, the SUPP Pelawan, Bukit Assek, Bawang Assan, Nangka, Dudong, and Sibu Jaya branches said public discourse targeting individuals rather than being grounded in facts risks undermining the credibility of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) administration and could compromise ongoing investigations.

They noted that the affected shophouse was constructed in 2011, during which the Local Government portfolio was held by PDP Senior Vice President Datuk Sri Wong Soon Koh.

“If the argument is that the ministry must answer for decisions made during that period, then consistency requires that responsibility be assessed according to the tenure in which approvals were granted.

“Accountability, if it is to be meaningful, must not be selective,” said the branches.

Earlier, Tiong, who is Federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, criticised Dr Sim, State Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, for allegedly ignoring calls to improve drainage and carry out desilting works.

Tiong said he had alerted the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) about drainage concerns before the last state election, but no substantial action was taken.

The SUPP branches questioned whether Tiong had consulted Wong, who oversaw the relevant authorities at the time and whose tenure spanned decades of urban planning and development approvals in Sibu.

“To attribute long-standing structural or planning issues to a current office-holder without regard to historical context is a political maneuver. Such a narrative generates friction without contributing to substantive solutions,” they said.

The branches emphasised that the incident is still under professional investigation, with engineering assessments, geological analyses, and technical evaluations ongoing.

“Until expert findings are established, any assertion regarding causation whether structural failure, soil subsidence, environmental factors, or otherwise remains speculative.

“Premature conclusions risk misleading the public and complicating objective inquiry,” they added.

They also noted that State Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang and SMC Chairman Clarence Ting were present on-site following the incident, convening emergency discussions with relevant agencies.

“While Tiong was unable to be physically present, official channels for obtaining accurate updates and clarification were readily available.

“Should technical findings later indicate factors such as soil instability or environmental conditions, the implications may extend beyond administrative oversight to include insurance liability, compliance standards, maintenance obligations, and broader urban planning considerations.

“These are complex matters that must be determined by professional evidence,” they said.

They urged public figures, especially elected representatives, to speak with care and precision.

“Leadership is not measured by volume, but by judgment. When one is not closely engaged with local conditions or the evolving developmental landscape, prudence and consultation become even more essential.

“As the saying goes, ‘Facts are stubborn things’. They must first be established before they are interpreted,” they said.

Recalling earlier debates over flood mitigation proposals, the branches said Tiong had once clashed with Wong, who had advised that criticism must be grounded in thorough understanding rather than assumption — a reminder that remains relevant today.

“Since Tiong has emphasised the importance of forward-looking planning, the people of Dudong would welcome a transparent account of the initiatives he has personally conceived, secured, and implemented during his present term as assemblyman of Dudong, which is now approaching its expiration.

“Leadership ultimately speaks through outcomes.

“We urge all parties to allow the investigative process to proceed without interference. Let evidence speak and professionalism prevail.

“Above all, let governance rise above politics especially when public safety is at stake,” the branches concluded.