Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) assemblywoman Violet Yong Wui Wui has openly challenged Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian following his recent comments on alcohol consumption in Sarawak.
In a social media post, Yong questioned whether alcoholic beverages are actually allowed to be served at official events under Dr Sim’s Ministry of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government. “Dr Sim Kui Hian, does alcohol drinks allowed to be served during your ministry’s official function? I challenge you to hold one official dinner function serving alcohol!” she wrote.
Her remarks came in response to Dr Sim’s recent statement that in Sarawak, “if you want to drink, just drink — it’s no big deal,” which contrasted sharply with the ongoing controversy over alcohol being served at a federal-level Tourism Malaysia event.
Yong further accused Dr Sim of remaining silent during the previous Santubong Beer controversy, when the locally brewed beer was asked to be removed from store shelves and to stop using “Santubong” as its brand name following objections from Sarawak PBB/GPS ministers.
“When Santubong beer was told to stop using its name, Dr Sim didn’t even dare to make a noise. Why didn’t he defend Santubong beer?” Yong questioned.
Her comments have added fuel to the ongoing debate over alcohol regulation, cultural identity, and political consistency between Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia — with many netizens weighing in on whether Dr Sim’s statements reflect genuine cultural openness or political convenience.
