SIBU, April 19: Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) is in no hurry to announce its potential candidates for the 15th General Election.
Speaking to reporters after declaring open the new SUPP Bukit Assek service Centre at Jalan Tong Sang today, party president Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian reasoned that there is no telling when the election will be called.
“We are monitoring (the situation). We have no idea when the Prime Minister will dissolve Parliament. I think UMNO is also trying to find out when the PM will call for the election,” he said.
He was asked whether the party will announce its candidates for the election after its final meeting in Kuching on May 23.
Dr Sim however wanted its potential candidates to start going to the ground to promote themselves, including servicing the people.
“I have always emphasised to the potential candidates that you don’t wait for the announcement before you start doing your work. You have to start going to the ground now to make yourself popular among the people. You need to show your sincerity by being always on the ground and always helping the people” he said.
On the branch elections, he said almost all of its 52 branches statewide had completed their own election.
“All branches will have to complete their respective elections by the end of April. Those who have not done so will do it this weekend. Our final party election will be on May 25 in Kuching, which is also during the DUN sitting,” he said.
He reviewed that all branch elections had been “very smooth” unlike in the past when members were fighting for positions.
“In the last six to seven years, SUPP have been very united. There is no more Kuching fighting Sibu or fighting among ourselves. The people (then) were sick and tired of politicians fighting for power and position. They are more interested in what you can do for them and for the economy in terms of development,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng said with the opening of the centre, they would be able to provide better services to the people in the area.
“Our SUPP beat team will also set up a mobile unit that is able to provide services 24 hours a day to the people,” he said.
Among those present at the function were deputy president Chieng Buong Toon, vice president Datuk Lee Kim Sim, secretary-general Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew and Pelawan assemblyman Michael Tiang. — DayakDaily
