KUCHING (Oct 22): Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said he has no reason not to defend Batu Kawah after having played a role in bringing about so much progress to the constituency.

The Deputy Premier said he will never leave his constituents behind as long as they still need him.

“I always ask: Is Batu Kawah better developed than it was 10 years ago? And for the next five years: Do you want to see Batu Kawah even better developed than it is now?” he told journalists after performing the groundbreaking ceremony for a flood mitigation project in the Stampin Resettlement Scheme here.

He was asked whether he would be seeking re-election in Batu Kawah in the next state election, which is expected to be called this year.

Dr Sim, who is also Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said he would remain committed to serving his constituents.

According to him, Batu Kawah constituents also wish he could continue to serve them.

He pointed out that Batu Kawah has seen constant and consistent progress in various development projects over the past decade.

With the gradual improvement of roads and infrastructure, he said the infrastructural development in Batu Kawah area had significantly improved.

In response to a question, he said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg yet to make any official announcement on the next state polls.

Dr Sim said it would therefore be inappropriate for him to engage in any speculation.

He added regardless of whether the state election is around the corner, his commitment to serving his constituents and driving further development in the constituency would not cease.

Dr Sim defended Batu Kawah under the ticket of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in the 2021 state election, after securing a convincing majority of 5,393 votes in a four-cornered fight.

He defeated Democratic Action Party’s Dr Kelvin Yii, who garnered 2,434 votes, Parti Bumi Kenyalang’s Chai Kueh Khun (756 votes), and Aspirasi’s Fong Pau Teck (133 votes).

In 2016, Dr Sim wrested Batu Kawah from DAP’s Christina Chiew after polling 6,414 votes in a three-cornered fight with Chiew (4,329 votes) and independent Liu Thian Leong (1,109 votes).