KUCHING: The swift progress Sarawak is experiencing today reflects the effectiveness of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) leadership, and disproves opposition claims that the state is heading in the wrong direction.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said Sarawak’s current achievements far surpass its position in 2011, when the Democratic Action Party (DAP) held 12 State Legislative Assembly (DUN) seats.
He said this clear shift is evident in the state’s development progress and rising revenue, which has in turn allowed various initiatives for the people to be carried out.
“In 2011, the rocket (DAP) won 12 seats. Was Sarawak better off in 2011, or is it better off in 2026?
“Now the rocket only holds two seats. Our Sarawak is far better than it was in 2011. Why? Because the leadership has changed. Things are no longer the way they used to be,” he said.
He was speaking at the 67th anniversary celebration of the Kuching branch of the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) on Sunday (Jun 28) night.
Sim, who is SUPP president, said the opposition has been unable to keep pace with the changes and transformation brought about under GPS rule.
“In fact, one of Sarawak’s key achievements is the introduction of the State Sales Tax (SST) on petroleum products, which has become a major contributor to state revenue,” he said.
He added that although Sarawak DAP had objected to the tax when it was introduced in 2019, the revenue it generates is now funding initiatives such as the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) and expanded social assistance programmes.
“Back then, Sarawak DAP opposed it.
“Yet today, we are reaping the benefits of that tax, and it has given us the income to fund FTES and a range of other benefits for the people,” he added.
Speaking on the upcoming State Election (PRN), Sim said voters should base their judgment on parties’ track records rather than be swayed by rhetoric.
“Being fooled once is a mistake. Being fooled twice is your own fault.
“Being fooled a third time is simply foolish. Are you ready to be fooled a fourth time?” he said.
He stressed that only a leadership capable of translating policy into real results can keep Sarawak’s development on solid ground.
“Those who try to deceive you will keep trying. Those who genuinely deliver will always find a way to get the job done.
“The people of Sarawak must remember that we need to build this state. We must show results, not just stand around putting on an act,” he said.
