BY JAMES WONG & LEONG Z KEEN
KUCHING: Sarawak aims to emulate China’s example in developing human capital to drive its growth and nation-building efforts, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He said Sarawak is looking closely at China’s grassroots and infrastructure development while aligning its financial management with Singapore’s model.
“Nation-building is not just about prosperity but also about talent development, as evidenced by China’s success.
“China’s strength lies in its talent, which gives it strong competitiveness on the global stage. Its pool of talents, unity, openness, a stable government and society also contribute to its success.
“That is why I spend a lot of time discussing talent development for Sarawakians because we are in the phase of building up Sarawak. It’s not just about waiting for leaders like Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg or me to lead the change,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the light-switching ceremony to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Malaysia-China Diplomatic Relations held at Malaysia-China Friendship Park here last night (May 31).
At the same time, Dr Sim also reflected on the three decades of Sarawak-China relationship, which was first established in 1994 when Malaysia’s first Chinese consulate was set up in Sarawak.
“This proves the importance of Malaysia-China friendship for Sarawak’s development, leading to the establishment of the consulate.
“And twenty years ago, the first Malaysia-China Friendship Park was established here in Kuching, which is the first of its kind in Malaysia.
“Twenty years later, they still remember us, which is evident by the large lantern sent to Sarawak in conjunction of the anniversary. This is true friendship,” he said.
Furthermore, Dr Sim also expressed gratitude towards the city of Kunming, Yunnan for providing five large lanterns that signified the 50th anniversary of friendship.
“Today, Sarawak has friendship city status with three Chinese provinces: Fujian, Yunnan, and Shandong. As we celebrate thirty years of bilateral friendship, I would also like to thank the Chinese community in Sarawak that played a crucial role in this success,” he added.
He also emphasised that the friendship between Malaysia and China extends beyond trade.
“Not only did we succeed in trade but, more importantly, in fostering people-to-people relationships, which is more enduring than trade. Friendships between people are long-lasting, whereas trade is conditional.
“Our friendship is comprehensive and strategic, encompassing culture, tourism, education, and more. Malaysia and China are not just good neighbours but also good friends, which is paramount,” he said.
Also present were Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching Xing Weiping, Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Tan Kai, Federation of Chinese Associations of Sarawak president Datuk Richard Wee, alongside leaders from Chinese communities and associations.
