KUCHING: Sarawakians have been urged to stay united and remain vigilant to face political and external challenges as the state pushes forward with its agenda for autonomy and development.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said by the year 2030 and beyond, Sarawak will be unrecognisably advanced.
“But the next five years are about survival. And during this period, others will try to destroy or divide Sarawak, using political weapon.
“We must therefore be vigilant,” he said in his speech during Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Kuching’s 66th anniversary dinner at Theatre Hotel on Sunday (Jun 29).
Dr Sim, who is the SUPP president, said the state has seen progress and much of the nation-building spirit and progress today stems from the contributions of past and present leaders of the party.
“And SUPP is playing its part as well. If we only worked for one ethnic group or in the old ways of doing things, we’d be extinct by now. So, we act for all Sarawakians. That’s why we grow stronger,” he said.
Dr Sim added that each individual must play their role in the collective mission of nation-building.
“We can only do our best, each playing our role. If all SUPP members do that, our nation-building will succeed,” he said.
Looking ahead, he expressed optimism that in five years, Sarawak will be shining brighter than ever, provided that unity is upheld among Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) component parties namely Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), and SUPP.
“Today, Sarawak doesn’t just make its three million people happy, it makes over 30 million Malaysians envious.
“And our RM15.8 billion budget for just three million people reflects Sarawak’s commitment to develop the state,” he said.
He added that greater autonomy in health, education, and tax rights must also be pursued to ensure Sarawak’s rightful place in the federation, in line with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Earlier, the event also featured the swearing-in ceremonies of the SUPP Kuching Women’s Section, Youth Section, and main branch, as well as a cake-cutting ceremony to mark SUPP Kuching’s 66th anniversary.
