By Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 4: Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) is hoping to confirm its seven potential candidates to be fielded in the coming 15th General Election (GE15) in the next few weeks, but it is highly unlikely for State Assembly members to make it into the list considering the heavy and demanding responsibilities of holding two posts.
SUPP president Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, in revealing this today, emphasised that SUPP will move into high gear in preparation for GE15 that is likely to be called this year given the current political instability and division in Peninsula Malaysia.
“SUPP will do our best to put the best candidates forward. We have formed seven parliamentary liaison committees (to oversee this) and over the next few weeks, we will quickly affirm the candidates from SUPP (for GE15).
“It shows how serious we are with all the State elected members taking charge (of the committees) and finalising the potential candidates and at the same time actively moving on the ground,” he told the media after a simple ceremony to celebrate SUPP’s 63rd anniversary at the party headquarters here today.
The seven committees comprised Bandar Kuching headed by Dr Sim himself, Stampin by Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang, Sibu by Pelawan assemblyman Michael Tiang, Sarikei by Repok assemblyman Dato Sri Huang Tiong Sii, Miri by Senadin assemblyman Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Lanang by Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng and Serian currently held by Dato Sri Richard Riot Jaem.
When pressed on when the candidates will be named, the Deputy Premier replied: “Soon. It depends because if the election is in July, we have to (announce the candidates).”
On its prospective candidates, Dr Sim explained that the branch level have in fact identified the candidates, but it is highly unlikely for Adun to be considered to stand in the parliamentary election and moreover, the party is not short of good candidates as more young people have brought leadership capabilities to the fore.
“We try to divide and give opportunities to as many people as possible. It is not easy to hold both positions as Adun and Member of Parliament (MP) because the responsibilities are too heavy and demanding.
“Parliament sittings are held four months a year and you will be expected to be in KL and coupled with being an Adun, you will have more meetings here,” he said.
Dr Sim, who is also Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, emphasised that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and particularly SUPP must remain focused to face GE15 because the next eight years will be the last mile to steer Sarawak to become a prosperous, inclusive and environmentally sustainable State.
“Sarawak’s future and rights under MA63 (Malaysia Agreement 1963) will very much depend on the GE15.
“As such, we must pursue our goals, aspirations and struggles aggressively. We must strengthen our unity and maintain the momentum (from the last Sarawak Election) so that we (GPS) can finish our jobs,” he said. — DayakDaily
