“Sarawak had two advantages, immigration autonomy and early supply of vaccines. Yet, the state registered among the highest infection and death rates in the country.
“This shows that we have an issue of leadership within SDMC. To address a pandemic efficiently, decisive leadership is needed with decisions made based on science and facts,” Yii told FMT in an interview.
Yii, who heads the parliamentary select committee (PSC) on health, also pointed to SOP changes, saying many Sarawakians were confused as they did not know whether to follow decisions made by the federal or state government.
He said discussions on SOP changes should have been carried out beforehand between both governments, especially since they are partners at the federal level.
“When you want the people of Sarawak to comply with the SOPs, it has to be quick, clear and decisive. The government’s policy flip flops have definitely impacted the livelihoods of the people,” he said.
Yii, who is also Bandar Kuching MP, said the state did not test enough people, adding that at one time the positivity rate in Sarawak was 25%, five times higher than the 5% rate recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
He said with all the advantages given by the federal government, it was clear the state government had failed to show true leadership.
Meanwhile, Yii said it was unfair to compare Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) 22 months in government to Sim’s five years as assemblyman.
“In the case of Dr Sim, he had five years and when you look back at his manifesto, not everything was done as well at the end of the day,” he said.
Yii hoped the people of Batu Kawah would look at his track record in Parliament.
“If given the opportunity, I can use my platform to bring up local issues on a parliamentary level for a national response.
“My heart has always been with Sarawak and I believe my existing job as an MP will complement my role as an assemblyman and ensure that issues faced in Batu Kawah can be addressed in a holistic manner,” he said.
Yii and Sim are involved in a four-cornered fight for the Batu Kawah seat in the Sarawak elections. Others in the fray are Chai Kueh Khun of Parti Bumi Kenyalang and Fong Pau Teck of Parti Aspirasi Rakyat Sarawak.
Sarawak goes to the polls on Dec 18 with early voting on Dec 14.