KUCHING，31 July: The recent accusations made by Pending Assemblywoman, Violet Yong Wei Wei, against Sarawak Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, have drawn strong rebuke, with critics calling the claims misleading and politically hypocritical.
Violet had questioned Dr Sim’s official overseas engagements to Switzerland, Washington DC, London, Shanghai and Perth, labelling them as wasteful “study trips”.
However, many contend that these official visits were strategic in nature, aimed at long-term improvements for Sarawak’s healthcare system.
“These were not holiday jaunts. They were high-level engagements to explore and secure partnerships that could elevate Sarawak’s healthcare landscape,” said Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak and Chairman of SUPP Engkilili Branch, Kua Jack Seng.
Among the international collaborations pursued were discussions with Fudan University in Shanghai to establish a branch medical school in Sarawak, a move that could help address the state’s ongoing shortage of doctors, especially in rural areas.
“Additionally, there were efforts to work with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to set up the first-ever CDC collaborative office in Malaysia, based in Sarawak,”he said.
Talks were also held with Swiss pharmaceutical giants Roche and Novartis on conducting first-in-human clinical research in Sarawak, potentially transforming the state into a regional hub for medical research.
Critics pointed out that rather than supporting these initiatives, DAP leaders have often dismissed or opposed them prompting questions about the party’s commitment to advancing Sarawak’s healthcare system.
“In contrast, Dr Sim has been credited with introducing mobile clinic services, flying doctor teams, and digital health initiatives for rural communities,*he said.
He has spearheaded Sarawak’s own Public Health White Paper focusing on digitisation, infrastructure, and talent development while also being a vocal advocate for health autonomy under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), aiming to reduce Sarawak’s reliance on federal health services.
Over RM200 million has been allocated through alternative state funding to improve healthcare facilities in underserved districts such as Kapit, Lawas, and Limbang initiatives that many say were directly influenced by the international visits Violet Yong criticised.
“The criticism of DAP extended beyond state matters. Observers highlighted that despite DAP holding 40 parliamentary seats, little has been done in Parliament to address Sarawak’s healthcare challenges,” he said.
Questions were raised on whether DAP Members of Parliament have supported Sarawak’s pursuit of healthcare autonomy, pushed for increased federal allocations, or tabled motions to reform the national healthcare system all of which have been met with silence or inaction.
Commentators argue that improving healthcare in Sarawak requires more than political statements, demanding strategic engagement, leadership, and action, with Dr Sim’s efforts in establishing dialogues with global healthcare leaders seen as significant steps toward modernising the state’s medical landscape.
Violet had questioned Dr Sim’s official overseas engagements to Switzerland, Washington DC, London, Shanghai and Perth, labelling them as wasteful “study trips”.
However, many contend that these official visits were strategic in nature, aimed at long-term improvements for Sarawak’s healthcare system.
“These were not holiday jaunts. They were high-level engagements to explore and secure partnerships that could elevate Sarawak’s healthcare landscape,” said Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak and Chairman of SUPP Engkilili Branch, Kua Jack Seng.
Among the international collaborations pursued were discussions with Fudan University in Shanghai to establish a branch medical school in Sarawak, a move that could help address the state’s ongoing shortage of doctors, especially in rural areas.
“Additionally, there were efforts to work with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to set up the first-ever CDC collaborative office in Malaysia, based in Sarawak,”he said.
Talks were also held with Swiss pharmaceutical giants Roche and Novartis on conducting first-in-human clinical research in Sarawak, potentially transforming the state into a regional hub for medical research.
Critics pointed out that rather than supporting these initiatives, DAP leaders have often dismissed or opposed them prompting questions about the party’s commitment to advancing Sarawak’s healthcare system.
“In contrast, Dr Sim has been credited with introducing mobile clinic services, flying doctor teams, and digital health initiatives for rural communities,*he said.
He has spearheaded Sarawak’s own Public Health White Paper focusing on digitisation, infrastructure, and talent development while also being a vocal advocate for health autonomy under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), aiming to reduce Sarawak’s reliance on federal health services.
Over RM200 million has been allocated through alternative state funding to improve healthcare facilities in underserved districts such as Kapit, Lawas, and Limbang initiatives that many say were directly influenced by the international visits Violet Yong criticised.
“The criticism of DAP extended beyond state matters. Observers highlighted that despite DAP holding 40 parliamentary seats, little has been done in Parliament to address Sarawak’s healthcare challenges,” he said.
Questions were raised on whether DAP Members of Parliament have supported Sarawak’s pursuit of healthcare autonomy, pushed for increased federal allocations, or tabled motions to reform the national healthcare system all of which have been met with silence or inaction.
Commentators argue that improving healthcare in Sarawak requires more than political statements, demanding strategic engagement, leadership, and action, with Dr Sim’s efforts in establishing dialogues with global healthcare leaders seen as significant steps toward modernising the state’s medical landscape.