Opposition Should Do Their Homework Before Speaking, Says Dr Sim

suppadmin | October 29, 2025

Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has questioned whether Bandar Kuching MP Chong Chieng Jen truly understands the financial and operational realities behind his proposal for the Sarawak Government to establish state-owned private hospitals that charge public hospital rates.

Dr Sim, who is also the Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said the idea may sound appealing in theory but is not practical without understanding the actual costs of running a hospital.

“If such a hospital were to be built, it would essentially follow the model of the Sarawak Heart Centre, which was built by the state government but is operated by the Federal Ministry of Health,” he explained.

“Just the medical materials used for a heart procedure, such as unclogging blocked arteries, cost around RM8,000 to RM10,000 and that’s not even including the cost of doctors, nurses, or utilities. So, can this really be affordable?” he said when met by reporters after officiating the opening of the Sarawak International Conference on Ageing (SICA) today.

Dr Sim noted that the Federal Government currently rents the Sarawak Heart Centre from the state for a symbolic RM10 per month, allowing the Ministry of Health to subsidise patient costs so that life-saving heart surgeries can be done for only RM300 to RM500.

“That’s why I’m not sure Chong knows what he’s talking about. He should do his homework first before making such statements,” he said.

At the same time, Dr Sim urged Sarawak Members of Parliament to speak up in Parliament to ensure the state receives fairer treatment, particularly in terms of funding for healthcare infrastructure.

He pointed out that while the Federal Government funded a RM906 million cancer hospital in Alor Setar, Kedah in the Northern Region Cancer Centre with 200 beds, Sarawak was required to first finance its own cancer hospital project before being reimbursed later.

“When I attended the first meeting in April, I was told about the Northern Region Cancer Centre in Alor Setar. Why didn’t they ask the Kedah Government to pay first? Why is Sarawak being asked to do so? Aren’t we all Malaysians?” he questioned.

Dr Sim praised Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for continuing with the construction of the state’s cancer hospital despite financial constraints, putting the health of Sarawakians first.

“Our Premier is very compassionate and always puts our people first. Since the Federal Government says they have no money, we don’t want to keep saying the same — because we don’t want our people to die of cancer,” he said.

Dr Sim added that Sarawak has done its best within its capacity but urged Sarawak MPs to “understand what they are talking about” and continue fighting in Kuala Lumpur for the state’s rightful share.