Sarawak needs to get its autonomy back, says Dr Sim

KUCHING - Sarawak needs to get back its autonomy so that matters such as education and funding can be determined on the ground.

“We lost it in the `80s, but we want it back,” said SUPP president Senator Prof Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian.

“It’s not fair that Sarawak contributes so much to the national GDP but get so little in return. We are not treated equally.”

Dr Sim said even the condition of local police stations were deteriorating, while Kuala Lumpur was getting new police stations.

“Why are we not getting any? Share out a bit, our share. I’m not saying not to develop Kuala Lumpur, but if you take out so much money from Sarawak, share with us also.

“After all, these police officers and school teachers are federal employees, too,” he said after officiating at the new teachers’ block at SJK(C) Chung Hua Batu 10, a RM230,000 project completely funded by the committee.

Dr Sim told reporters that the school also wanted to build a three-storey school block because the area had a lot of students.

“They require RM1 million. I will definitely ask for special funding from both the prime minister and chief minister to help them.”

SJK(C) Chung Hua Batu 10 has a pupil population of 1,600, out of which 45 percent are Bumiputeras. This year’s Primary One enrolment was 243 pupils, out of which 93 are Bumiputeras.

“This is why I always said that Chinese schools in Sarawak are not only for the Chinese; it’s for all Sarawakians. We are very blessed because the committee here supports them so well. Through education, it will help with racial harmony and prevent extremism.”

At the same ceremony, Dr Sim witnessed the hand-over of a RM20,000 donation from school board member Kiung Choi Hin to Board of Management chairman Penghulu Lim Eng Huat.

Kiung, who was unable to attend, was represented by his father, Kiung Fatt Jin.

Also present were school headmaster Hiew Siaw Chew and SUPP deputy secretary general Tan Joo Poi. - BP