SUPP chief: Cancer centre funding, SGH’s 1,000-staff deficit show why Sarawak needs greater autonomy

Dr Sim (centre) together with SUPP leaders at 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’s ability to build its own cancer centre despite a lack of federal funding and the chronic shortage of healthcare personnel at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) compared to similarly-sized hospitals in Peninsular Malaysia are clear examples of why the State needs greater autonomy, says Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

Dr Sim, who is also Deputy Premier, said Sarawak has long faced unequal treatment from the federal government, citing how the State was forced to finance its own cancer centre while SGH continues to operate with about 1,000 fewer staff than hospitals in Peninsular Malaysia with the same bed capacity.

“We must pursue Sarawak’s rights under Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Sarawak must be united and have the strength to flex our arms on the negotiating table with Putrajaya,” he said in his speech during the SUPP Pending Branch 42nd Anniversary Celebration and 67th SUPP Anniversary Celebration dinner last night (June 4).

According to Dr Sim, federal government often cited financial constraints when Sarawak sought funding for critical development projects.

“When Peninsular Malaysia wanted to build a cancer centre, they had money. But when Sarawak wanted to build our own cancer centre, they said they had no money and we had to bear the cost ourselves (first), complete with terms and conditions,” he said.

He noted that thanks to Sarawak’s growing financial strength, piling works for the State’s own cancer centre have already begun.

“This is one of the reasons why we need greater autonomy. If Sarawak can regain more autonomy and has the financial capability, we can decide our own priorities and deliver for our people,” he said.

Dr Sim also highlighted staffing disparities at SGH, which he described as operating at full capacity daily.

He said SGH has approximately 1,000 beds but only 4,500 healthcare personnel and support staff, whereas “a hospital” in Peninsular Malaysia with the same number of beds has 5,500 staff.

“Why does Sarawak have 1,000 fewer personnel despite having the same number of beds? Are Sarawakians not Malaysians?” he asked.

Describing the situation as unfair, Dr Sim said such disparities reinforced the need for Sarawak to continue strengthening its economy, developing local talent and securing greater control over its own affairs.

“Perhaps they have become used to bullying us for a long time. These are only excuses. Sarawak must continue to prosper, become stronger and nurture more talent so that we can manage our State better for the good of our people,” he said.

Dr Sim also urged Sarawakians to remain united and seize what he described as a rare opportunity amid political instability in Peninsular Malaysia.

“Peninsular Malaysia is divided, unstable and disruptive now. Sarawak must seize this opportunity, continue to be united, maintain stability and build our future with wisdom,” he said.

He warned against adopting “toxic politics” from Peninsular Malaysia, stressing that Sarawak’s continued progress depends on political stability, unity and a strong mandate in negotiations with Putrajaya over MA63 and other State rights. — DayakDaily