SUPP continues 'Sarawak First' vision, says Dr Sim

Dr Sim raising the flag as all the party members stand alongside as they unite for the flag-raising ceremony. – Photo by Chimon Upon.
KUCHING (June 4): Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) has remained steadfast in fighting for the rights of Sarawak's multi-racial community, said party president Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Speaking at the party's 66th anniversary flag-raising ceremony, held at its headquarters here today, Dr Sim emphasised that the celebration signified more than just the party's age or its status as Sarawak's first political party.
'This is not just a celebration of 66 years of SUPP, nor merely a celebration of Sarawak's first political party or its multi-racial identity.
'Rather, It is a celebration to continue the same vision and mission of our founders, which is 'Sarawak First', since 1959,' he said.
Dr Sim, who is Sarawak Deputy Premier, reiterated SUPP's ongoing commitment to fighting for Sarawak's constitutional rights, including autonomy in health and education, under the 'Sarawak First' agenda.
He expressed gratitude to the party's founding fathers, as well as past and present members and leadership for their sacrifices throughout a journey filled with 'ups and downs, disappointments, and hardships.'
'Despite all these challenges, they stayed loyal to the party. That's why the party is still around today,' he added.
(From front row, fourth left) Bong, Lee, Dr Sim, Yap and other distinguished SUPP members pose for a group photo during the cake-cutting ceremony. – Photo by Chimon Upon.
Touching on Sarawak's development, Dr Sim highlighted the state's RM15.8 billion budget for this year, which is approximately 16 times larger than Penang's and over five times larger than Selangor's budgets.
'We are no longer number 13, we are no longer going to be last. We want to be as good as anywhere else in Malaysia,' he stressed, referencing Sarawak's position in the Malaysian IC code.
'That's why we need to stand up and help Sarawak in its nation-building,' he said.
He also emphasised the need to prioritise Sarawakians first while contributing to a stable Malaysia.
'There is no question about our commitment to Malaysia as a stable government. However, we cannot make that commitment if divisive, polarising, and politicising forces persist.
'That depends on the rest of Malaysia — because here in Sarawak, we are not divisive,' he said.
As Sarawak approaches 2030, Dr Sim acknowledged the state's strong progress under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 but raised concerns about sustainability.
'We need more Sarawakians to step forward and play their role in nation-building,' he urged.
He noted that Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is already strategising beyond 2030.
Looking ahead, Dr Sim reaffirmed that Sarawak is evolving beyond being just a 'kampung'.
'We are building a regional hub for commerce, tourism, banking, and energy. This is the future of Sarawak as a regional hub in Southeast Asia,' he added.
Among those present were SUPP deputy president Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, deputy secretary-general Dato Lo Khere Chiang, SUPP Kota Sentosa Branch chairman Wilfred Yap, and organising chairman Wilian Bong Lip Ken. 66th anniversary flag-raising ceremony Dr Sim Kui Hian lead SUPP

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

New Straits Times

an hour ago

• New Straits Times

Passing of BH entertainment editor great loss to journalism

KUALA LUMPUR: The passing of Berita Harian entertainment assistant editor Raja Nurfatimah Mawar Mohamed, today is a significant loss to Malaysian journalism, particularly in the field of entertainment reporting. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, in a Facebook post, expressed his sadness over the news and extended his condolences to Raja Nurfatimah's family and the BH team. "Innalillahi wainna ilaihi raji'un. May Allah SWT bless her soul, forgive her sins, and place her among the righteous. "She was a highly respected media practitioner, well regarded by colleagues and peers in the industry," he said. Raja Nurfatimah, 49, died Raja Nurfatimah, 49, died at her home in Sungai Long, Kajang, after complaining of chest pain and breathing difficulties at around 2pm. With over 30 years of experience in journalism, she was a prominent and familiar figure in the local entertainment media scene. Her body was taken to Kajang Hospital for a post-mortem and is expected to be laid to rest in her hometown of Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu. – Bernama

Barnama

an hour ago

• Barnama

Passing Of BH Entertainment Editor Great Loss To Journalism

KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 (Bernama) -- The passing of Berita Harian (BH) Assistant Entertainment News Editor, Raja Nurfatimah Mawar Mohamed, today is a significant loss to Malaysian journalism, particularly in the field of entertainment reporting. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, in a Facebook post, expressed his sadness over the news and extended his condolences to Raja Nurfatimah's family and the BH team. 'Innalillahi wainna ilaihi raji'un. May Allah SWT bless her soul, forgive her sins, and place her among the righteous.

BusinessToday

2 hours ago

• BusinessToday

‘3rd Times The Charm' MITI Minister Drops Hints From Washington

Malaysia and the US have made further strides in resolving ongoing tariff issues during a third high-level meeting held on June 19 between Malaysian trade officials and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said the latest meeting follows earlier discussions in Washington and at the APEC Ministerial Meeting in Jeju, South Korea, centred specifically on tariff-related matters impacting bilateral trade. In a statement shared on X, Tengku Zafrul said the Malaysian delegation emphasised that the dialogue reinforced the importance of finding a 'fair and mutually beneficial' solution. 'Negotiations will continue in a prudent and professional manner for the common good,' Tengku Zafrul added. The talks mark a continued effort to de-escalate trade frictions and enhance economic cooperation, particularly as Malaysia seeks to safeguard its export competitiveness while navigating the global trade landscape. Further discussions are expected as both sides work toward a resolution that supports long-term trade stability. Related