SIDC to enhance research in state
In future, we will explore engagement with universities such as the University of Oxford, perhaps to develop programmes to harness our rich biodiversity.
Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg
KUCHING: The soon to be set up Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre (SIDC) in Kota Samarahan will collaborate with reputable research centres and universities to enhance the level of research work in the state.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg who said this in his address at the Sarawak Day celebrationheld at the State Legislative Assembly building last night.
He added that the SIDC which has an allocation of RM200 million, has initiated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Australian National Phenome Centre, Perth, Amili Pte Ltd (Singapore), Cambridge Sparks, UNIMAS and Swinburne Sarawak to collaborate in the areas of biomedical sciences and Human Capital Development.
These will add to the current existing list of collaborators including Cambridge Academic of Therapeutic Sciences, University of Cambridge.
He added that the setting up of SIDC is a long term step for the state government in developing research to ensure the state economy’s success in the future.
“In future, we will explore engagement with universities such as the University of Oxford, perhaps to develop programmes to harness our rich biodiversity.
“I believe that these initiatives will help to pave the way to enhance the research culture in Sarawak, leading to a vibrant bioeconomy, capitalising on our diverse cultures, and natural resources.”
He said that under the Malaysian constitution, public health matters is a joint responsibility of the state and federal government, thus the state government is also responsible to increase public awareness on contagious diseases and controlling spread of infection diseases.
Touching on the current Covid-19 pandemic, he said it is an important test which gave Sarawak confidence that it face any obstacles thrown in its way.
“During the pandemic for the past one year or so, we have often made decisions that are more suited to the conditions and situation in Sarawak. We respect the federal government and decisions made at the federal level but not every decision made in Putrajaya is suitable or practical for implementation in Sarawak.”
One example is the modification on the vaccination process for folks in rural areas by giving them the vaccination first, then registering them on MySejahtera as the state government understood how hard it is for them to register and access MySejahtera, he said.
In combatting the Covid-19 pandemic, the state government believed that speeding up vaccination to the people is a longterm measure compared to enforcing enhanced movement control order (EMCO) which is short term and does not have long lasting effect, he added.
“Alhamdullilah, the vaccination programme has received support from everyone, with over 70 per cent of the population having received the first dose, and over 40 per cent has received the second dose,” said Abang Johari.
The celebration of Sarawak Day was held on a smaller scale this year due to the pandemic, but this did not dampen the spirit of Sarawakians in commemorating this important date in Sarawak history, said Abang Johari.
He added that the date marks the date Sarawak was granted self-rule after over 100 years under the Brooke family and
then under the British colonial rule,.
“We deeply appreciate and are thankful to the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem who declared July 22 as Sarawak Day and a public holiday on this important date. I hope that July 22 will continue to be the starting point to strengthen unity, harmony and culture of respecting one another in the multiracial, multireligion state of Sarawak.”
He added that though the state has achieved many things, more needs to be done to fulfill its dream for all Sarawakians to be a progressive state and its people earning high incomes.
“I am confident that we can achieve our dream by 2030 if we all work hard and focus fully on having progressive economy in nine years, following our own mold.”
Meanwhile, minister-incharge of the celebration, Dato Sri Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian said the celebration reminded Sarawakians of the immense contributions and struggles of our previous leaders to enable Sarawak to be administered by its own people.
Dr Sim who is also Local Government and Housing Minister said that this year’s celebration is more meaningful after one year of disruption, hardship and suffering.
“There are a number of cultural performances, songs and video presentations through the hybrid with some digital recordings and others in person to make it an interesting show, a new norm living with the virus.
“What is important is that we have high creativity, cooperation and commitment from all anak Sarawak talents locally and overseas to ensure all Sarawakian can enjoy the celebration at the comfort of their homes.”
He called on Sarawkians to continue to follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the government for own safety and well being.
Among those present at the celebration were were Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing, and other cabinet ministers.