KUCHING, Sept 5: Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) is telling Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Youth Chief Michael Tiang not to be arrogant by undermining other parties in the same political alliance.
PDP vice-president Teo Boon Siew said in a statement that if Tiang was truly sincere in proving his party’s worth through its actions, he would not undermine other parties in the same political alliance.
In politics, upholding the spirit of sincerity in words and mutual cooperation is of utmost importance, not trying to undermine one’s partners, he added.
The statement came on the heels of Tiang’s remark on Sept 3 as reported by a local daily, in response to an earlier report about PDP wanting to contest in Bawang Assan, Pelawan and Dudong in the coming state election while knowing that those seats used to be allocated to SUPP to contest.
“I wouldn’t want to comment on what PDP said on this matter. All I can say is that SUPP is committed to work and serve the people in Bawang Assan, Dudong and Pelawan to ensure victory for Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in the seats.
“Working is always better than talking,” Tiang was quoted as stating.
Teo, who is also PDP Dudong chairman, said Tiang’s remarks showed him to be arrogant and devoid of consideration for the bigger picture.
“Tiang also noted that the GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) leadership had acknowledged the efforts of SUPP. However, do not forget the seats Tiang wishes to be left to SUPP to contest, namely Bawang Assan, Dudong and Pelawan, were all wrested from SUPP in the previous elections. Tiang should reflect on this reality and stop obsessing on the status from times past.
“All the districts and longhouses in Sibu have faced infrastructure problems in their respective areas, including bad road conditions, and unstable water and electricity supply. Our party’s efforts are plain for all to see and the feedback from the residents have been overwhelmingly positive,” said Teo.
He also pointed out that Democratic Action Party (DAP) would also be putting up their most formidable candidates for these seats.
“Why isn’t Tiang aiming his sights at the real opponent? Is he so intimidated by DAP that he prefers to antagonise his own allies? As the youth leader, he should know his priorities lie in preparing to face the opposition for the upcoming electoral battles,” Teo said.
He advised Tiang to respect the authority of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg to decide the state cabinet reshuffle and their proper appointments.
This, Teo said, should have no bearing on the next Sarawak state election and reflects no preference over any GPS party.
“If SUPP is serious about portraying itself as a leading party, it needs to live up to the expectations of the people and work to regain the trust of the community,” he said.
PDP and SUPP are GPS component parties, together with Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) and Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS). — DayakDaily
