By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Dec 16: Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Kuching branch has no actual right to name candidates, says the party president Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He was referring to an internal feud in the party’s branch over the decision to field Kuching South City Council mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng for the N9 Padungan seat in the 12th Sarawak Election.
On Monday (Dec 13), Kuching division chief Datuk Lily Yong had claimed that Wee was not among the two names proposed to the party leadership to stand in Padungan which led to the branch dissolving its party machinery in protest of Wee’s candidacy.
Following this, Dr Sim described the act as a “family quarrel”.
“In our party’s constitution, it was never stated that the branch party has the right to name the candidates.
“For instance, I myself am not from SUPP Batu Kawah branch but I am the chairman of SUPP Pending branch. However, I am the Batu Kawah YB (elected representative).
“At this point of time, I wish to appeal to all party members (to understand) that the party’s interest is (according to the) party’s supreme interest, not personal interest,” he told reporters at a press conference held at SUPP headquarters in Kuching today.
In the coming Dec 18 polls, Wee will face off against Chong Chieng Jen of Democratic Action Party (DAP), Lina Soo of Sarawak People’s Aspiration Party (Aspirasi) and Raymond Thong of Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) for the Padungan seat.
Dr Sim further urged the people of Sarawak to come out and exercise their duty to vote this Saturday (Dec 18), stating that it is a serious matter to choose a government to administer the State.
He also appealed to all not to get involved in toxic politics during this campaign period.
“I have received so many unsolicited messages with negative campaign materials on my handphone. Some are filled with emotions; some are fake news and rumours. All of this is evil.
“So I want the voters to be aware and do not fall into the trap made by these people but judge us (Gabungan Parti Sarawak leaders) by our track record and character,” he added. — DayakDaily
