By Ling Hui
KUCHING, Dec 4: Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian said he was “taken aback” by the last-minute withdrawal of a SUPP candidate from the Dudong seat and replaced with Dato Sri Tiong King Sing from Progressive Democratic Party (PDP).
Dudong, prior to the announcement of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) candidate list yesterday (Dec 3), was believed to be contested by SUPP Dudong branch chairman Wong Ching Yong.
“I was so shocked, because 24 hours before (the announcement of GPS candidate for Dudong) it was not like that.
“I was so distracted after that,” Dr Sim told reporters during a press conference at SUPP Batu Kawah branch here today.
It was a lesson learned, he said as he remembered the words of the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem before the latter became Chief Minister of Sarawak.
Dr Sim said he had congratulated Adenan then, but Adenan replied, “Congratulate me only after I sign the instrument (of office). Nothing is final until then.”
Now understanding the meaning behind those words, Dr Sim who seemed disappointed this morning said it is only best to move on.
“I can only say that that’s GPS decision. We, (the component parties), all come under GPS, so we have to move on.
“Let’s now consolidate, let’s come together, and let’s focus on the 18 seats (to be contested) by SUPP,” he said.
Dr Sim who is also Batu Kawah incumbent, said like how he was given the opportunity to develop Batu Kawah back in the 2016 Sarawak Election, he wished for the support of all Chinese voters to the other SUPP candidates as well in order to strengthen SUPP in GPS.
Meanwhile, he said the manifesto for Batu Kawah would only be launched after GPS’ as he would try to avoid further contradictions. — DayakDaily
