Kuching: The Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak has called for a more fact-based and forward-looking discussion on improving healthcare in the state, saying that political rhetoric should not stand in the way of progress.
Michael Kong Feng Nian, Special Assistant to Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen, said that SUPP’s Wilfred Yap appeared “more interested in political point-scoring” than in having an honest conversation about healthcare reform for Sarawakians.
Michael Kong said that if, as Yap claimed, the Sarawak Government was taking “serious, long-term action” to strengthen the healthcare system through the Sarawak Public Health Master Plan 2050, then there should be no issue with exploring alternative models to improve healthcare delivery.
“Everyone knows our public hospitals are overcrowded and under strain. Anyone who has sought treatment at Sarawak General Hospital would have experienced this first-hand,” he said in a statement.
“That is why we need to think outside the box and consider innovative models that can deliver faster and better care to the people.”
Drawing a comparison with the state’s investment in AirBorneo, Michael Kong noted that Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg had previously said the state government’s priority was not financial returns, but socio-economic impact.
“The same principle should apply to healthcare,” Michael Kong said. “Investing in hospitals is an investment in our people’s health and future. Only those with a narrow mindset would focus solely on potential financial losses while ignoring the immense social benefits such projects bring.”
Michael Kong also criticised Yap for relying on inaccurate information, saying that Yap had wrongly claimed Dr Kelvin Yii was still serving as the Special Adviser to the Minister of Health.
“That is factually wrong, as Dr Kelvin Yii has not held that position since December 2023. If an elected representative cannot even get his basic facts right before issuing a statement, it calls into question the credibility of his entire argument,” he said.
He added that Chong’s call was for the state government to “do more and think broader” for the benefit of Sarawakians.
“If the Sarawak Government can build an airline without worrying about immediate profit, then surely it can invest boldly in healthcare infrastructure that directly safeguards the well-being of our people,” Michael Kong said.
He described this approach as “constructive leadership and forward thinking,” and urged SUPP to appreciate such initiatives rather than attack them for political gain.
