Kuching: Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong Wui Wui has demanded transparency over the proposed Sarawak Cancer Centre, warning that the Sarawak government’s silence risks reducing the long-awaited project to mere political rhetoric.
Violet Yong reminded that both Dr Sim and Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg have previously pledged the state’s willingness to fund the project first, with federal reimbursement later.
“If that is the case, an official statement stating timeline, confirmed commitment from Putrajaya and clear plan of action should be made known to Sarawakians.
“Any continued silence raises the question of whether this project is truly being prioritised or simply used as a political talking point,” she said in a statement.
She pointed out that a week has passed since the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) meeting in Kuala Lumpur, where the cancer centre was reportedly discussed, yet no official update has been issued by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
“The Sarawak Cancer Centre is not a luxury project but a life-saving necessity. Cancer patients in Sarawak have long suffered from the lack of a dedicated and fully equipped facility.
“The oncology unit at Sarawak General Hospital is already stretched beyond its limits, with limited beds available which is far short of what is needed.
“There are even some patients who may need to be referred to West Malaysia for specialized cancer treatments not available in Sarawak,” she said.
Violet Yong added that Dr Sim, as both Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government owes the people an honest and transparent update.
“Cancer does not wait for political bureaucracy and neither should the people. If the state is ready to fund the hospital, there is no excuse for delay,” she said.
