I try my very best to help NGOs, says Sim
KUCHING: Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian has handed out a total of 719 cheques to various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) thus far this year.
The Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president gave grants to another 33 NGOs during a simple ceremony held at the party’s headquarters here yesterday.
“I try my very best to help the NGOs. So far this year, I have given out 719 cheques to various NGOs but I do not want to disclose the amount.
“Last year alone, 3,700 NGOs received grants from me. Let’s say each NGO got RM5,000, you calculate the total amount,” he said before giving away the grants.
Dr Sim, who is Batu Kawa assemblyman, said schools in his constituency were given special grants worth RM6 million last year.
“This is in addition to the grants by the federal government, which was RM9 million for 222 schools in Sarawak.
“But schools in Batu Kawa are special because they also received the special grants of RM6 million. If the people of Batu Kawa did not elect me in the 2016 state election, it would be impossible for me to do this good work,” he added.
He pointed out that the state Barisan Nasional (BN) government had also given special allocations to temples and churches amounting to RM15 million throughout the state last year.
He hoped that the NGOs would keep up their efforts in organising more meaningful activities for the community.
“I want you to continue contributing to the society. I am trying to help all organisations, and if I miss any NGOs, kindly speak to my staff.
“I also hope that come the 14th general election, SUPP will have more elected representatives to get more grants for you all,” he added.
Among the NGOs which received the cheques were Kuching Division Journalists Association, Kuching Yii Clan Association, Sarawak Society For the Blind, Lions Club of Kuching Hornbill, Society For Critically Sick Children, Institution of Engineers Malaysia, Kuching Hing Ann Association Youth Section, Kuching Samarahan Pan Chern Liew Clan Association Women Section, Sarawak Federation of Chinese Women, Radio Emergency Drone Squad, Orang Ulu National Association, Sarawak Nanyang University Alumni Association, Kuching Organic Herb Society and Syn Tho Gee Benevolent Society.
Also present were SUPP Youth chief Tan Kai, Women chief Kho Teck Wan and Public Complaint Bureau chairman Wilfred Yap.