Deputy Premier visits Catholic Bishop of Sibu for Chinese New Year
SIBU: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian made his Chinese New Year visit to Catholic Bishop of Sibu Right Reverend Joseph Hii at his residence at Sacred Heart Cathedral yesterday.
Among the entourage were Dr Sim’s wife Datin Amar Enn Ong, Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng and Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) deputy chairman Wong Ching Yong.
Bishop Emeritus Dominic Su was also present.
During the visit, they discussed various topics, including Sarawak and local issues.
Speaking to reporters after the visit, Dr Sim urged the Chinese community to preserve the open house tradition during Chinese New Year.
“Everywhere in Sarawak where there is a Chinese family, they will celebrate Chinese New Year, and by visiting one another, we are creating a very welcoming atmosphere. Thus, I believe this tradition and culture must continue.
“Like I told the Bishop, time flies really fast. One year has passed and I’m back here to visit him for another year. We don’t have the chance to meet during regular hours since everyone is too busy with their own work,” he said.
Dr Sim said that they meet up at least once a year to discuss various problems and issues.
“I am aware that a yearly meeting is not enough. Nevertheless, if they have any problems, they may contact a local YB, and we will try to resolve the issues they are facing,” he pointed out.
According to him, the Sarawak government always ensures that all religious bodies and organisations are being taken care of through the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor).
Meanwhile, Dr Sim, who is also Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, reminded Sarawakian parents that their children would not have a ‘K’ on their MyKads if they are born outside of the state.
“Applying will get them the ‘K’ on their MyKads, denoting them as Sarawakians and granting them access to some of the state’s privileges.
“When the state government offers free tertiary education to all Sarawakians in 2026, you will need the ‘K’ indicator on your MyKad to prove that you are a Sarawakian,” he said.
However, he added, those who have not stayed in the state for two generations would no longer be considered as Sarawakians.
“The government wants autonomy in education as part of its efforts to preserve the talents in the state.
“We need talents and a big team consisting of everyone to develop a state; it is not an individual responsibility,” he said.