SIBU (Feb 8): Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has urged Sarawakians to continue supporting Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to drive the state’s development to greater heights.

He emphasised that Sarawak has made significant progress in recent years, thanks to the commitment and vision of its leaders.

“We would become a very developed state, on par with or even more developed than some states in Malaysia.

“We could do this because we have stability and we don’t quarrel,” he said at the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Bukit Assek Chinese New Year celebration and installation ceremony here today.

Dr Sim, who is SUPP president, stressed the importance of unity and harmony in ensuring Sarawak’s continued development.

Meanwhile, Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng highlighted that his constituency has received RM20 million in funding under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) since 2022.

“This includes 159 upgrading and development projects for the constituency.

“Additionally, there have been various funds to help home repairs for those in the B40 (low-income) group.

“Incentives are also available to those who obtained excellent results in SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia), STPM (Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia), and UEC (Unified Examination Certificate),” he said, adding that various community programmes are available.

Chieng added that his focus this year would be on the Bukit Assek redevelopment project and the Sentosa flood mitigation project.

During the event, Dato Chieng Buong Toon was re-elected as the branch chairman for the 2025-2027 term.

Also present were Dr Sim’s wife Datin Amar Enn Ong; Deputy Minister for Public Health and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang; SUPP advisor Dato Ding Lian Cheon; SUPP Youth chairman and SUPP Bawang Assan chairman Councillor Kevin Lau; SUPP Pelawan chairman Clarence Ting; and SUPP Dudong chairman Wong Ching Yong.