SIBU: Healthcare matters are constitutionally under federal jurisdiction — this is a fact, not a political excuse, says Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Youth Central chief Councillor Kevin Lau Kor Jie.
He stated that it is irresponsible for Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen to propose that the Sarawak government establish state-owned private hospitals that charge public hospital rates without any concrete plan or financial analysis, merely basing it on the fact that the Sarawak government’s revenue has grown to RM12 billion.
“I urge Chong to be more responsible with his proposal for the Sarawak government to establish state-owned private hospitals.
“His accusation that SUPP attempted to ‘sabotage and block’ the proposal by pointing out that healthcare matters fall under federal jurisdiction is completely unfounded.
“It is a fact, not a political excuse, that healthcare is constitutionally under federal jurisdiction but despite that Sarawak government have taken the initiative to pre-finance the construction of Sarawak Cancer Centre to expedite its implementation,” he reiterated in a statement on Wednesday (Nov 5).
Lau, who is also SUPP Bawang Assan chairman, added that by admitting DAP’s role in the upcoming state election is merely to strengthen checks and balances instead of changing the government, Chong is fully aware that he bears no accountability or consequences for his proposal, as the responsibility would ultimately fall on the Sarawak government.
He said that while Chong has acknowledged the efforts of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) ministers in the federal cabinet to secure greater healthcare allocations, it is disappointing to see him and DAP Sarawak “passing the buck”.
He reminded Chong that with the passing of the Health White Paper (HWP) in Parliament in 2023, the groundwork has already been laid for greater health autonomy and decentralisation to the states.
Therefore, Lau said all parties, regardless of political ideology, should have a collective political effort and commitment to pursue greater autonomy and funding from the federal government.
In fact, he believed that other parties should work with GPS as HWP was passed through bipartisan support and Chong should be committed to see it through.
“Sarawak can and must rely on ourselves to safeguard our rights but we must do so through proper channels, credible policies, and responsible leadership.”
He added that as an MP of a party with one of the largest representations in Parliament, Chong should focus his efforts on securing more healthcare resources for Sarawak at the federal level, instead of shifting responsibility to the state government.
Lau further highlighted that with its growing revenue, the Sarawak Government has introduced various strategic initiatives to stimulate new economic growth through infrastructure and industrial development.
“Beyond education and green energy, these initiatives are paving the way for the Sarawak Semiconductor Roadmap 2030, strengthening our state’s participation in the global technology ecosystem.
“These efforts are not merely about building a resilient economy but also about securing a sustainable future for our younger generation.”
