Senate president Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang (centre) congratulates Dr Sim after his swearing-in ceremony. Also seen is Dr Asyraf. — Bernama photo
Dr Sim taking his oath as senator. — Bernama photo
KUCHING: SUPP secretary-general Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian was appointed a member of the House of Senate yesterday.
After the swearing-in, Dr Sim flew with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s 13-member delegation to Beijing to attend the 40th anniversary of Malaysia-China bilateral relationship, which was initiated by Najib’s father, Tun Abdul Razak, in 1974.
Dr Sim, in a press release, expressed his gratitude to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for approving his appointment. He also expressed his appreciation to Najib, Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem and SUPP for nominating him for the senatorship.
“My appointment comes at such a critical time, a time when we get the green light from the Registrar of Societies (ROS) on the legitimacy of SUPP, a time when we see the light of reconciliation and the path to rejuvenation in SUPP, and a time when we see the true colours of the insincere and deviated leaders leaving SUPP.
“Of course, there are still challenges ahead, but with support from the members, Barisan Nasional (BN) and the people, I believe SUPP can move forward to achieve greater height in the shortest time (sic),” said Dr Sim.
The internationally-renowned cardiologist promised to uphold, defend and promote the interests of the nation to the best of his ability.
He said he would continue his journey to serve the state. It began when he returned from Australia 15 years ago after living overseas for 17 years.
“I pledge to deliver my services with full strength and courage, and commit myself to create a better nation for the people, irrespective of race or religion, regardless of which position I represent, or which stance I fight for, as I still believe in the necessity of real heart, real action and real change in our transformation efforts.
“I will carry out my duties and responsibilities as honestly and diligently as possible. I believe that is the only way I can return the great honour granted to me.”
On his appointment, SUPP president Tan Sri Peter Chin said as Dr Sim held the important post of secretary general, he was the right person to be appointed as senator.
“I am sure he (Dr Sim) will speak and act on behalf of all Malaysians without fear or favour. SUPP needs a man of strong integrity in the Senate. The party and its members will continue to support him in his new role,” said Chin.
Dr Sim is taking over from former secretary-general Datuk Sim Kheng Hui, whose term as senator expired in 2013. Since then, the post has been left vacant due to party problems.
Dr Sim, 49, a son of the late Tan Sri Sim Kheng Hong, was practising in Australia before returning to Kuching in 1998.
He started the Cardiology Department of Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) in 2001.
Before he joined politics fulltime in 2011, he was the head of the Cardiology Department and Clinical Research Centre of SGH. He was also the adjunct professor at the Faculty of Medicines and Health Sciences at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas).
In the 2011 state polls, Dr Sim contested in Pending, but lost to Violet Yong of the DAP in a straight fight. He garnered 6,780 votes against Yong’s 14,375 votes.
Also sworn in as senator yesterday was Islamic Da’wah Foundation Malaysia (Yadim) president Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, 38, who is an Umno Supreme Council member and Affin Islamic Bank’s Shariah Advisory Committee chairman.