BUKIT MERTAJAM, Malaysia, July 4, 2025 — A PAS leader’s unannounced visit to the service center of Bukit Mertajam MP and Human Resources Minister Sim Chee Keong on July 3 has ignited a heated dispute, with Sim accusing the opposition figure of attempting to create a negative perception about his office’s operations.
According to Sim, the PAS leader claimed to have visited the service center twice on July 3, at 3:30 PM and 5:15 PM, only to find the doors closed. The leader’s remarks suggested the office was non-functional, prompting Sim to clarify that a notice had been posted in advance, announcing the closure of the center on that day. The notice also provided four contact numbers for emergencies.
Sim questioned whether the PAS leader “failed to read Bahasa Melayu” or deliberately sought to tarnish his reputation. He revealed that the closure was due to a personal family matter — the funeral of his grandfather, who passed away that day. Sim and his staff were attending the burial to pay their final respects, a fact he had not intended to publicize.
“While my family was grieving, this PAS leader took the opportunity to play politics,” Sim said, expressing disappointment over the incident.
This is not the first time the PAS leader has courted controversy, according to Sim. Previously, the leader posted a photo of Lieutenant General Dato Johnny Lim’s appointment, making racially charged comments suggesting that a Chinese individual could one day become Malaysia’s Prime Minister.
The PAS leader claimed his visit was to deliver a Letter of Demand (LOD) and demand an apology from Sim. However, Sim stated that no LOD was found at his office the following morning. In response, he issued a sharp rebuke in the form of a pantun:
Adat berkunjung, harus memaklum,
Adat bertandang, elok dijemput;
Kilat bersabung, hujan pun belum,
Tuan memberi, saya menyahut.
See you in court!
Sim emphasized that his office remains open to all, regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation, noting that PAS members had previously sought assistance from his center without issue.
The controversy has raised tensions, with Sim signaling his readiness to address the matter legally.