Dr Sim speaks at the closing ceremony. – Photo by Roystein Emmor
KUCHING (April 23): Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has reiterated his call for Sarawakians to emulate Sabah’s political approach by denying the Democratic Action Party (DAP) any seats in the next state election.
The Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) president said Sabah’s political landscape shows that opposition representation can still exist even without the DAP.
“Sarawak should follow Sabah and give DAP ‘telur’ (eggs). DAP (Sarawak) says it is part of the opposition. Who says Sabah has no opposition?
“Sabah has opposition YBs (elected representatives), it’s just that DAP is not among them,” he said.
The Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government said this in his speech at the closing ceremony of the ‘Seminar Kenegaraan Malaysia Madani’ held at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) here.
He said Sarawak should take note of Sabah’s recent political arrangement, where opposition representation continues despite the absence of DAP in the state assembly.
At the Gabungan Parti Sarawak Convention held last weekend, Dr Sim in his address called on voters to “give DAP eggs” (zero seats) in the upcoming state election, saying Sarawak should continue to chart its own course without being swayed by external political narratives.
His remarks drew strong responses from DAP Sarawak elected representatives, among them Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii who said having zero opposition in the DUN would be “detrimental and against the interests of Sarawak”.
Meanwhile, Dr Sim in his speech also spoke on governance, constitutional awareness, and Sarawak’s role within the Malaysian Federation.
He stressed that the DUN remains the main law-making body in Sarawak, with authority to enact laws that directly affect development and state revenue.
He also emphasised the importance of understanding Malaysia Madani, the Federal Constitution, Malaysia Agreement 1963, and Rukun Negara, especially among community leaders and grassroots representatives.
“It is very important because ketua masyarakat and ketua kaum (KMKK) must understand this so they can explain it to others,” he said.
Dr Sim added that public perception is often shaped more by viral negative content than balanced information.
“Nowadays, if something is not good, it goes viral. But good things, nobody talks about. That is a bad habit,” he said, urging leaders to help ensure accurate information is shared and understood.
He said the next five years are crucial for Sarawak’s long-term development, as major infrastructure projects such as roads and utilities are expected to be completed.
“After 2030, most major infrastructure will be ready. So we must be patient and continue to move forward.”
Dr Sim also highlighted various state assistance schemes, including cost-of-living support and utility subsidies.
He urged community leaders to play an active role in communicating government policies and assistance to the public.
“You are helping the government. Not just bad news, but good news must also be shared,” he said, calling for continued unity and commitment to nation-building in the state.
