‘I’m happy in Batu Kawah’: Dr Sim denies Pending move ahead of state election

KUCHING (Jan 8): Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has dismissed speculation that he may switch constituencies in the upcoming Sarawak state election, stressing that he will remain in Batu Kawah and has no intention of contesting Pending.

Responding to rumours circulating online, Dr Sim said he was unaware of the source of the speculation and made clear that such a move “isn’t happening”, adding that both he and Batu Kawah constituents were satisfied with their longstanding relationship.

“As I said, people are happy with me and I’m happy in Batu Kawah (state constituency). That’s the answer already.

“I don’t know where the speculation comes from. You may have to ask someone else,” told reporters after attending the Mazu Statue Consecration Ceremony at Qing Shan Temple in Muara Tebas here.

Dr Sim emphasised that Batu Kawah remains his priority, describing it as an important and rapidly developing satellite area of Kuching that requires continuity in leadership due to ongoing and planned development initiatives.

When asked whether he intended to continue serving the constituency, he reiterated that the mutual understanding and support between him and local residents “speaks for itself”.

Meanwhile, Kuching South mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the rumour appeared to have originated from comments made during his “Shall WEE Talk” Facebook Live session last Saturday, noting that online remarks are often amplified without proper context.

Wee stressed that elected representatives have a duty to the voters who placed their trust in them, and should not shift constituencies without strong justification.

“A responsible candidate or representative should not simply move from one place to another.

“You must be accountable to the people who supported and trusted you, and you must be there to serve them,” he said.

He added that politics should not be treated as an exercise in “conquering” seats, cautioning against leaders abandoning their constituencies instead of fulfilling their responsibilities to the electorate.

With the state election approaching, Wee said rumours and speculation were to be expected, urging the public not to overreact to unverified remarks.

“All sorts of speculation will arise as the state election approaches, but there is no need to overinterpret unverified comments,” he said.