KUCHING: Stand firmly behind our state government so that we could continue to reclaim the state’s eroded rights as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
The message came from Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, a strong proponent of MA63, who reminded Sarawakians that the state was fighting for the autonomy on health and education.
“But if you want to take back education and health (rights), it involves money. But nobody will give you the money and power unless you are very strong.
“That is why, we, Sarawakians must remain united, and we need Sarawakians to continue to be with us, working together with us so that we will get back whatever rights that are ours under MA63, and hopefully by 2030, we can achieve all of this,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters during a fast-breaking session with the media organised by the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Monday (April 18).
Dr Sim, who is also the Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said however Sarawak needed a bit of time to regain its rights.
“Because even if you take back the rights on education, you still need the expertise and the time for the system to adjust. So, things cannot happen overnight,” he said.
He said certain politicians who promised that they could change the system overnight were those who never really worked in the government system.
“Overnight, you can change a politician, but you cannot change the system. This is something that they (politicians) have to realise.
“Politicians who promised you that they can change the system overnight are not telling the truth, and at worst, they are totally ignorant and not fit to be in power because they don’t know what they are talking about,” said Dr Sim.
