KUCHING, Dec 23: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is calling upon Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) to resolve its conflict with its splinter party United People’s Party (UPP) before the coming 14th General Election (GE14).
He tasked party president Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian to work out a formula with Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg to ensure that whatever conflict that would interfere with the party’s performance during the coming general election is resolved promptly.
“All issues must be resolved before the 14th general election. We (Barisan Nasional) must go to war as a solid front. One BN, one SUPP,” said Najib.
Najib, who is also Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, was speaking during SUPP’s triennial delegates conference closing ceremony earlier today, which was also attended by Abang Johari and hundreds of party delegates from all over the state.
He also commended Dr Sim’s performance as SUPP’s president who managed to lead the party without any hitch until now, as well as crediting him for being able to regain four state seats and defend three, out of 13 during the last state election in 2016.
He urged party members to continue supporting Dr Sim, and placed his confidence in the party to be able to win back most of its Parliamentary seats in the coming general election.
Seven Parliamentary seats traditionally allocated for SUPP are Bandar Kuching, Stampin, Serian, Sarikei, Sibu, Lanang and Miri. SUPP however only managed to defend Serian during the last general election in 2013, with its Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Richard Riot.
Earlier, Dr Sim revealed the party adopted a resolution to reject fielding direct BN candidate for the state in the coming general election, adding that members who had been either with the splinter party or the opposition would be welcomed back into SUPP with open arms.
“For former members who are in DAP or UPP, please come home. For 58 years we have been together as one, right at this very spot. Anywhere you go, you still have to come home here eventually,” he said.
Reiterating Dr Sim, Abang Johari called on all former SUPP members to end their bickering and return to the party.
“We will support SUPP, there is no need for quarrel. If your heart is for the people and not personal gain, you will come back. Let us work together to wrest the seats from the opposition,” he said. — DayakDaily
