Sarawakians asked to compete with the best globally

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Dr Sim (standing, fifth left) and state Information Department director Abang Sardon Abang Hashim (standing, fourth left) are seen in a photo call with the top three teams.

KUCHING: Sarawakians have been called on to compete with the best across the globe.

Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said Sarawakians should strive to make a name for themselves internationally.

“It is not enough to be the best in Sarawak or Malaysia. Go out there and compete with the best, be they from London, China, Japan or Australia.

“Compete against the best, outperform them and say, ‘I’m from Sarawak and I’m better than you.’ And when you have become famous or the best, do not forget about Sarawak,” he said when closing the state-level ‘Pengisahan Negaraku’ contest yesterday.

The cardiologist by training also gave a brief account of how he gave up life in Australia to serve Sarawak.

“In Australia, a cardiologist can make at least one million Australian dollars a year.

When I first came back, my salary was only RM3,100 a month and after 10 years, my salary was RM26,500 a month. What is RM26,500 compared with what I made in Australia?” he pointed out.

Dr Sim explained he decided to return to Sarawak to serve his home state rather than focusing on monetary rewards alone.

He said Sarawakians are fortunate that July 22 was gazetted as ‘Sarawak Day’ and a public holiday under the leadership of former chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem.

“Tok Nan (Adenan) gave us a public holiday not for us to sleep the day away. We should all celebrate Sarawak Day, leading up to the month of Merdeka in August and then Malaysia Day on Sept 16.

“If we Sarawakians do not celebrate Sarawak Day, who will? Do not expect Sabahans or West Malaysians to celebrate Sarawak Day,” he said.

He added Malaysians should ponder the real meaning of patriotism.

“The spirit of patriotism isn’t just about displaying the national flag. As Malaysians, we should all help one another and celebrate Aug 31 and Sept 16 no matter where you are,” he said.