SIBU: Sarawak needs to regain autonomy in managing its healthcare and education sectors.
The Honorary Advisor of the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP), Datuk Dr. Soon Choon Teck, said that the federal government does not adequately understand the state’s needs.
“They do not know what we need, such as the requirement for doctors in hospitals or clinics. Similarly, in education, it is preferable for Sarawak to have its own autonomy because only we, as locals, understand our needs,” he said during his 81st birthday celebration, an event jointly organised by the SUPP Dudong and SUPP Sibu Jaya branches yesterday evening (March 16).
He further highlighted the efforts by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his deputy, Datuk Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian, to secure autonomy in healthcare and education for the betterment of Sarawak.
“We hope to regain our autonomy to make our own decisions, as only we are fully aware of our needs in Sarawak,” he added.
Regarding his political journey, the former Dudong assemblyman said that he joined SUPP in 1962 at the age of 19.
“In 1989, I was appointed as a member of the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC), and then in 1990, the late Tan Sri Dr. Wong Soon Kai recommended me as the SUPP candidate for the Dudong constituency seat,” he recounted.
Dr. Soon won the Dudong constituency seat in 1991, marking the beginning of his political career.
“I have been with SUPP for 62 years now. I wish to thank the Iban party members for their support. Without it, my 20-year tenure as a representative for Dudong might not have been possible,” he said.
Also present were the chairman of the SUPP Dudong Branch, Wong Ching Yong, the chairman of the SUPP Sibu Jaya Branch, Datuk Matthew Chen, Pemanca Paing Tawi, among others.
