By Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 29: The revitalised Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Kuching branch is ready to take on Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak to reclaim the Padungan constituency, which has suffered from little to no improvement or development under the opposition for nearly 20 years.
During the branch’s 65th anniversary celebration, its chairwoman, Datuk Lily Yong, openly challenged Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen, who is also DAP Sarawak chairman.
“The opposition has taken this place for almost 20 years. Chong has been both the State and parliamentary representative. Where are you? Don’t tell me your job is like how our party president described it, delivering statements in the news.
“This is wrong. I want to challenge the DAP. With 11 ministers and deputy ministers in the unity government, how come you still act like a government secretly instead of coming out boldly and still just criticising?
“This is a joke. This is terrible. You are in the government and have the authority. Be bold enough to stand forward,” she slammed.
Comparing the development taking place in Batu Kawah, represented by party president Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Yong pointed out that Padungan has been forgotten just like DAP’s unfulfilled promises, including 50 per cent tax collection returned to Sarawak, recognition of Unified Examination Certification (UEC) and lower petrol prices which the opposition once pledged under their election manifestos.
“You made those promises thinking you wouldn’t have to take full responsibility for the people who elected you, and yet, you did nothing. I challenge them tonight,” she asserted.
Calling all party and branch members for fullest support with Saati (united) spirit, Yong stressed the need to work together to reclaim and revive Padungan to its full glory.
For Padungan to move forward, she highlighted the need for the Kuching branch to request that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) look seriously into providing development funding if the Sarawak government considers the Padungan constituency under the SUPP Kuching branch as important and relevant.
“We want to see the people of Padungan prosper, and this part of the city centre thrive again with better development and economic activities. We don’t want a dark and gloomy Padungan but a bright and vibrant Padungan.
“Let us work together. We must win back all the lost seats for SUPP,” she urged.
The celebration was officiated by Dr Sim, who is also Deputy Premier, and attended by branch members. — DayakDaily
