Verify facts first, says Dr Sim after Pending rep’s Sarawak Heart Centre claims - Borneo Post Online (2025)

KUCHING (April 9): Elected representatives must take responsibility for verifying facts before pushing their agenda or making public accusations, said Deputy Sarawak Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

He emphasised that while it is commendable for elected representatives to advocate for the public, such actions must be grounded in truth and factual accuracy.

“You must verify the facts first and make sure that the information people sent to you is accurate.

“It is not just because you say you want to help someone in good faith,” he told a press conference at his office in Wisma Bapa Malaysia here today.

His remarks followed recent allegations made by Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong, who claimed in a Facebook post that a patient had waited nearly 20 hours at the Sarawak Heart Centre without being seen by a cardiologist.

Dr Sim stressed that elected officials must ensure they are fighting for the truth on behalf of their constituents.

“That means you have to take responsibility to know that the messages you’re conveying are facts and they are verified.

“It is not fair to comment when it is not the truth. It is not a qualified privilege when it is not the truth,” he said.

As the state Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Minister, Dr Sim pointed out that medical professionals under the federal Health Ministry are bound by strict regulations that prevent them from responding directly to accusations in the media or on social platforms.

“Unfortunately, for doctors and nurses, the federal government has set very strict regulations. They cannot just reply in the newspaper straight away or go to Facebook straight away.”

He also defended the reputation of the Sarawak Heart Centre, noting that the facility had been recognised by Newsweek magazine as one of the top 100 cardiology hospitals in the Asia-Pacific region for two consecutive years.

“Newsweek magazine last year listed Sarawak Heart Centre as the only heart centre from Malaysia in the top 100 in Asia Pacific. The year before, they were also in the top 100.

“No other Ministry of Health heart centre broke into the top 100. So, we have a reputation there,” he said.

Dr Sim questioned the truth behind Yong’s allegations if the Sarawak Heart Centre could maintain its high standards.

“So, if this is what is going on, do you think this year we will make it into the top 100? For 20 hours (a patient) did not see (a) cardiologist?” he said.

He expressed pride in the work of the Sarawak Heart Centre and urged public figures to avoid making unfounded accusations that could harm healthcare professionals.

“I feel so sorry for the doctors and nurses. At least don’t abuse them. Telling the truth is important,” he said.

Yong’s allegations against the Sarawak Heart Centre have sparked significant backlash, including an online petition calling for her apology and resignation.

The petition, titled “Defend Our Doctors – Demand Apology and Resignation from Violet Yong” accused her of making baseless claims that have damaged the reputation of the medical staff.

In response, Yong defended her remarks in a Facebook post on Monday, April 7, saying that her intention was simply to seek clarification from the minister responsible.

“Is it wrong for me to question Dr Sim, who is the state Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government regarding the message conveyed by the patient’s family?” she said.