KUCHING, May 13 — Prof Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian is an eager beaver.

Shortly after his appointment as the Minister of Local Government in the new Sarawak state Cabinet today, the cardiologist has set his sights on improving, among others, the state’s local authorities.

But first he wants to  have a “relook and be briefed” on the workings of the local councils.

“We will haved to make them work very effectively in the new government and this is very important,” he told the media after his appointment, here today.

Dr Sim, the president of the Sarawak United People’s Party(SUPP), is also the son of the late Datuk Amar Sim Kheng Hong, who was Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister from 1974 to 1991.

“We want all the chairmen, mayors and councillors to work as a team, to do more and speak less.

“We must make sure the people’s interests are looked after and implemented,” Dr Sim added.

Meanwhile, in a statement, Dr Sim thanked Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud for consenting to Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem’s wish to appoint him as Sarawak Minister of Local Government, though being a first time assemblyman (for Batu Kawah).

“This is unprecedented. This is a portfolio that will enable my team and I to fulfil our manifesto in terms of bringing much needed development to the Rakyat (people) of our constituencies.

“I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to my supporters and those who voted for me.

“Some may have expected a larger portfolio to be handed back to SUPP but as Adenan had said he is not happy with the Chinese representation in his government but this is the best we can do for the time being,” he said.

On SUPP, Sim said it  was founded for the benefit of the people since 1959 .  “My team and I will take this opportunity to do the best we can with what we have. We are confident that we can deliver at a high level of professionalism.  “Sarawak history has shown that when the landscape changes, Cabinet reshuffles are carried out to cater to the needs of the people.,”he said.

In praising  Adenan as  a good listener, Sim said he believed the chief minister would listen to the Chinese community as their mandate was to SUPP to be an integral part of Team Adenan.

“In the meantime, the new SUPP team and I look forward to being part of Team Adenan. — Bernama