KUCHING: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian dismissed speculation that he may switch from Batu Kawah to Pending constituency in the upcoming state election, saying there is no reason for him to leave a constituency where both he and the people are satisfied with the working relationship.
Responding to questions after attending the consecration ceremony of Ching San Yan Temple Mazu at Jalan Kampung Muara Tebas today, Dr Sim said he was unaware of where the rumour originated.
“People in Batu Kawa are happy about me, and I am happy about Batu Kawa. So why do I need to move?” he said, adding that there were still many development plans to be carried out in the area.
He stressed that Batu Kawa remained a priority, describing it as an important emerging satellite area of Kuching, with ongoing and planned initiatives that required continuity of leadership.
Asked directly whether he intended to continue serving Batu Kawa, Dr Sim reiterated his position, saying the mutual understanding and support between him and residents spoke for themselves.
“I don’t know where the speculation comes from. You may have to ask someone else,” he added.
Meanwhile, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor, Datuk Wee Hong Seng, said the rumour started during his Facebook live session ‘Shall WEE Talk’ on Saturday (Jan. 3) before being picked up more widely.
“I was quite surprised too,” he said, noting that social media posts were often amplified without proper context.
Wee emphasised that elected representatives had a responsibility to the voters who placed their trust in them, and should not shift constituencies without strong justification.
“A responsible candidate or representative should not just move from one place to another. You have to be responsible for the people who supported you and trusted you. You have to be there to serve them,” he said.
He added that politics should not be treated as an exercise in “conquering” seats, warning against leaders abandoning their constituencies instead of fulfilling their obligations to the electorate.
Earlier reports stated that Wee had advised the public not to overreact to speculation that Dr Sim, who is Batu Kawah state assemblyman, may switch his battlefield to Pending in the next state polls.
With the state elections approaching, he said that while various rumours may circulate, people should remain rational instead of reacting emotionally.
“All sorts of speculations are going to arise as the state elections draw nearer; there is no need for us to over-interpret unverified remarks,” he said.
