Sim’s remarks against PH were carried widely in the Chinese press in Sarawak on Tuesday.

Yii shot back today, claiming that Sim’s salvo “clearly shows his lack of understanding regarding the roles of the government and the opposition”.

It was also a deliberate attempt to mislead the people in hiding their failures as a ruling government, he charged.

“If Sarawak BN, which SUPP is part of, was really able to make things happen, Sarawak would have been one of the most developed states in the country with the numerous resources it is blessed with,” Yii said.

The DAP leader pointed out that not only are Sarawakians one of the poorest in the nation, but the state is severely lagging behind in development, even in basic necessities such as clean water and electricity in every home, especially in the rural areas.

“As of now, 70% of the 1,454 schools in Sarawak have been categorised as dilapidated and in need of immediate attention from the authorities.

“About 45% of the 209 clinics in Sarawak are without doctors and many of these clinics are in a dilapidated condition and also lack water and electric supply.

“Clean water supply in rural areas is only at 61%. That means the extra 39%, or an estimated 114,000 households, are without clean water supply to their homes.

“Besides that, many basic roads to rural towns are also in a bad condition.”

Yii stressed that BN has been in power for over 55 years in Sarawak and has full control and access to the state’s coffers and resources.

Being the ruling government, it is their responsibility to bring equal development to the whole state, even if it is a constituency represented by the opposition.

“Thus, Dr Sim’s accusations are not just unfounded, but proves that the alleged inability of the opposition to ‘bring development’ in these areas is purely the fault of the ruling government, which is the Sarawak BN,” he added.