SIBU: Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) President, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, has publicly endorsed SUPP Bawang Assan Branch Chairman and the party’s Youth Chief, Kevin Lau Kor Jie, as the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) candidate for the Bawang Assan state constituency in the upcoming Sarawak state election.
The announcement signals the party leadership’s confidence in Kevin Lau as the preferred candidate to spearhead GPS’ campaign in the constituency, with Dr Sim confirming that his name will be submitted to GPS chairman and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for final consideration.
“I will nominate him to Premier Abang Johari as the GPS candidate for the Bawang Assan seat in the next state election,” Dr Sim said while addressing the 12th Anniversary Celebration of the SUPP Bawang Assan Branch with the Bawang Assan Iban community here on Saturday.
Describing Kevin Lau as a capable and dedicated leader, Dr Sim, who is also Deputy Premier, said he possesses the qualities needed to lead the constituency, citing his strong work ethic, effective communication skills and genuine commitment to serving the people.
He added that Kevin Lau has consistently championed development initiatives for Bawang Assan, including proposing the construction of a bridge linking Sibu town with the western bank of the Rajang River.
The proposal, he said, received the immediate backing of Premier Abang Johari, reflecting its strategic importance to the area’s future growth.
According to Dr Sim, the bridge project is expected to unlock new development opportunities, stimulate economic activity and accelerate growth on Sibu’s western bank.
“Leaders like Kevin Lau are needed to continue the development agenda and ensure Bawang Assan does not fall behind.
“We must now work hard to secure victory in Bawang Assan. GPS must continue to receive the people’s mandate so that the Sarawak Government can carry on with its development initiatives, including the bridge project, which will create an economic spillover effect and transform the western bank of Sibu,” he said.
Reflecting on SUPP’s history, Dr Sim, who is also Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, noted that the party was founded in Sibu in 1959, four years before the formation of Malaysia, and has remained steadfast in championing Sarawak’s interests while serving communities across all ethnic backgrounds.
He said the political stability forged through the close cooperation of GPS component parties has laid the foundation for Sarawak’s economic growth, infrastructure expansion and improvements in the people’s quality of life.
Dr Sim also highlighted several state government initiatives, including free tertiary education, financial assistance for eligible higher education students and welfare programmes for senior citizens, describing them as evidence of the government’s commitment to improving the wellbeing of Sarawakians.
He urged young people to seize the educational opportunities provided by the state government and prepare themselves to become the next generation of leaders who will continue driving Sarawak’s development and progress.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee, Meradong assemblyman Datuk Ding Kuong Hiing, Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek, Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew, and other distinguished guests.
