Dr Sim: Next five years are crucial in deternining Sarawak's development direction

SIMANGGANG, june 4 2026: Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian has stressed that the next five years are extremely crucial in determining the direction of Sarawak's development, including efforts to empower infrastructure, people's welfare, and education.

 

Caption: SUPP president Dr Sim Kui Hian (second from left, front row) shouting "Sa'ati" at the 67th anniversary celebration of the party.

He said the Sarawak government at present is not only working to empower infrastructure within this state but is also channeling various welfare assistances, including providing free education for the people at state-owned universities.

“Therefore, I hope all the people realise how important the future of this state is, because it is not merely a matter of politics but determines the continuity of the development agenda and the future of Sarawak,” he said at the flag-raising ceremony to celebrate the 67th anniversary of the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) here today.

 

Dr Sim, who is also SUPP president, called upon all people to continue strengthening their commitment and spirit of togetherness in efforts to develop the state for the sake of future generations.

He said that Sarawak is currently on an important track toward achieving developed state status by the year 2030, consequently requiring the solid support of all parties to ensure the success of the development agenda.

According to him, the people should not merely reminisce about the state's development history over the past six decades, but instead must collectively renew their resolve and determination to ensure the continuity of Sarawak's progress.

“We should not just act to appreciate the history of past leadership and its contributions to the development of this state, but instead renew our commitment to the struggle for the people.

“This renewal is in line with our efforts to bring all the people together to help build the Sarawak nation-state after more than six decades in Malaysia, and subsequently build a solid foundation toward achieving developed state status by 2030,” he said.

 

Meanwhile, SUPP Simanggang branch chairman Francis Harden, in his speech, said he has proposed for the appointments of three community leaders for the Malay community in the Simanggang constituency.

 

He said the appointments are expected to further strengthen the administration and leadership system at the grassroots level.

Francis, who is also Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development and Simanggang Assemblyman, stated that the proposal involves the appointments of one Pemanca and two Penghulus to represent the Malay community in the area.

He added the step is crucial to ensuring that local community affairs can be coordinated more effectively, besides strengthening the relationship between the people and the government.

“For your information, the Simanggang constituency currently only has 11 village leaders for the Malay community from Kampung Muhibbah, Rancangan Perumahan Rakyat (RPR), Taman Harmoni, Taman Sri Jaya, and Taman Desa Indah.

“However, due to the absence of a Pemanca and Penghulu for the Malay community in Simanggang, I have already applied for the appointment of these community leaders, which is expected to be approved soon,” he said.

 

Dr Sim: Contributions from past and present members have kept SUPP alive since 1959

By Mohd Abdullah Lee

KUCHING, June 4 2026: Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) president Dr Sim Kui Hian expressed his grateful to past and present members for their contribution for the survival of the party since 1959.

Caption: SUPP president Dr Sim Kui Hian receiving a copy of "Forging Ahead for 66 Years" by author and veteran journalist KC Jong (third from right) 

He said the party has continued to survive since 67 years ago while other parties, which were formed later, have disappeared into history.

“Because of the struggle of the past and present members, our party is still alive until today.

“Since 67 years ago, our party has seen ups and downs. This is normal. But the party has remained strong and in the mainstream of Sarawak’s politics due to our various policies and efforts,” he said at the 67^th flag-raising ceremony at the party headquarters this morning.

Dr Sim, who is also 6^h president of SUPP, said the party has contributed to the well-being, prosperity and security of Sarawak.

He said one of the contributions of SUPP in terms of security is the signing of the Sri Aman Peace Agreement that led to the mass surrender of communists.

He added another contribution is the recognition accorded to the Unified Examination Certificate by the state government.

Dr Sim also said it was SUPP’s suggestion that all Sarawakian students studying at state-owned higher institutions under the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES)  be given a monthly allowance of RM1,250, regardless of their social and financial status.

He also described the special relationship between SUPP and PBB as inseparable since the formation of the coalition in 1970.

“When PBB was in trouble, we helped them. When we were in trouble, they helped us,” he said, when referring to internal crisis faced by PBB in 1987 and when SUPP was having leadership crisis some 10 years ago.

He said there was no doubt there existed “small quarrel” between the two parties, but it did not prevent them from helping each other in time of crisis.

He said the special relationship between SUPP and PBB is not a “fake marriage” but a genuine ties between two friends.

Dr Sim said the trusted relationship between SUPP and PBB has led to prosperity and political stability in the state, adding that PBB has provided stable leadership in Sarawak.

He also took a swipe at political parties and politicians in Malaya for their endless quarrels that have led to political instability in Malaya.

“Everyday, they are fighting, politicking, they are divisive, spitting out toxic politics,” he said.

“In politics, we should talk about positive values, teach people to do the right things,  not engage in negative politics, don’t teach people to become racist,” he said.

Later Dr Sim launched a book entiled “Forging Ahead for 66 Years” written by veteran journalist KC Jong.

The book chronicles the history of SUPP since 1959, the roles played by the past leaders and during the emergency period in the 1960s and 1970s.

Jong, when asked, said it took him four months to collect and collate materials for the book.

He added efforts would be made to translate the book in English.

Don't underestimate the Opposition parties in the coming state polls, Dr Sim tells SUPP members

By CW Claire

KUCHING, June 4 2026: Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) president Dr Sim Kui Hian has told party members to never underestimate “your enemies” in the coming state election.

Caption: SUPP president Dr Sim Kui Hian hoisting the party flag at the flag raising ceremony 

“Don’t be arrogant, don’t be overconfident and don’t take them (Opposition) for granted,” he said at the 67^th flag raising ceremony at the party headquarters this morning.

“We must hard and work smart. Why we need to work smart? This is because it is an AI (Artificial Intelligence) era now,” Dr Sim, who is also Deputy Premier, stressed.

“We are fighting a war. I think less than 100 days from now,” he said when speculating on the next state election.

“So, we need to immediately get going.” he added.

He urged party members to make use of AI to strengthen the party and to spread what the party has done for the people and state.

“That is why I want party members to be active in deploying AI and other social media platforms,” he said.

He also advised party members to not abuse AI, but to speak out the truths about the party, people and state.

Dr Sim also said it is the duty of every member to counter false allegations hurled by the Opposition parties which are bent on tarnishing SUPP’s image and reputation.

The 67^th flag-raising ceremony was organised by SUPP Batu Kawa branch

42yo man is found drowmed, a day the boat he was boarding on capsized yesterday

SIMANGGANG, June 3 2026: The body of a 42-year old resident of Charang longhouse was found floating on Sungai Banting, Lingga, a day after the boat he and eight other persons were boarding on capsized yesterday afternoon.

Caption: Members of the search and rescue team ferrying the body of a 42-year old resident of Charang longhouse  

Simanggang Fire and Rescue Departnment said the body of the man was found by villagers at a distance of approximately 300 meters from the search and rescue operation camp at about 4.10pm today.

According to the department, the boat capsised after its engine suddenly failed and then crashed into a bridge pillar before capsising due to strong currents.

“Eight other persons on board were rescued by villagers using boats,” it said, adding that the victim  was seen at that time clinging to the bridge pole.

“When the villagers approached the victim, he was seen being carried away by the current and then disappeared under water,” the department said.

(UPDATED) Five family members killed in a single vehicle accident at Jalan Baki Lama-Ensengei this morning

SERIAN, June 3 2026: Five members of a family were killed in a single vehicle accident near Kampung Ria, Jalan Baki Lama-Ensengei, near here, this morning.

Caption: Firefighters remove the bodies of the four victims from the badly damaged car 

Serian Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), in a statement, said it received a call about the accident at 8.42am and immediately despached a team of firefighters to the scene.

“Upon arrival at the scene about 9.04amn, operation commander Bujang Ina reported that accident involved a vehicle that had smashed into a water main,” it said.

The five victims man, three women and baby girl,” it said.

The firefighters removed four adult victims from the badly damaged vehicle, while a baby girl was found by members of the public near the scene and is believed to have been thrown from the vehicle during the accident.

All victims, aged two to 47 years, have been confirmed dead by health authorities and their bodies were handed over to the police for further action.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Police Commissioner Mohamad Zainal Abdullah said the driver  apparently lost control of his car while attempting to overtake a tractor.

He said the accident occurred while the car, travelling from Kampung Lubok Ria towards Serian, was

believed to have veered out of control while overtaking a tractor moving in the same direction.

In a statement, he said the vehicle skidded off the road, struck a water main on the right shoulder, and plunged into a water-filled drain before overturning