Dr Sim: Malaysia-Indonesia ties transformed from confrontation to cooperation
KUCHING (Aug 27): Malaysia and Indonesia have come a long way from fighting each other during the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation to now helping save lives, said Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. He said the transformation was among the greatest achievements of 60 years of peace between the two countries, formally established on [...] The post Dr Sim: Malaysia-Indonesia ties…
Dr Sim, the Deputy Premier of Sarawak, highlighted the remarkable transformation in relations between Malaysia and Indonesia from confrontation to cooperation during a photo exhibition launch in Kuching. This change is among the greatest achievements of peace between the two countries, established 60 years ago on August 11, 1966. Dr Sim emphasized how the two nations have shifted from fighting each other to actively helping save lives, a shift made possible by their former enemy status.
The Deputy Premier's remarks came as he launched the 'Australians in Sarawak: Shared Histories — Enduring Friendship, Side by Side 2026' photo exhibition, showcasing the contributions of Australian veterans who served in Borneo. Dr Sim stressed the significance of these veterans, noting that they were sons, brothers, husbands, fathers, and friends, and their sacrifices have become part of the shared history between Sarawak and Australia.
The relationship has evolved beyond the military sphere into various fields including education, trade, tourism, professional exchanges, and people-to-people friendships.
Dr Sim also discussed the Colombo Plan, which provided education opportunities for Sarawakians, shaping generations of students who studied in Australia. He shared his own experience of studying in Melbourne for 17 years, receiving both education and medical training before returning to Sarawak. His time in Australia influenced his values, including equality, practicality, and openness, which shaped his approach to nation-building.
He credited Sarawak's stability as a significant dividend of the peace that followed the Confrontation, enabling progress and improved living standards for its people. Dr Sim also addressed the importance of education in shaping Sarawak's future, highlighting investments in Yayasan Sarawak International Schools and higher education support. He urged young people, appointed as Youth Peace Ambassadors, to recognize the lessons from the past while working hard for Sarawak's future.
Written by urgent.news from Borneo Post Online's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
