By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Aug 9: Will independent Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How be absorbed into Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) through his joining in Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP)?
The question has been in everyone’s mind, prompted by a photograph of the trio namely GPS chairman Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, SUPP president Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian and See, taken at the Premier’s office at Wisma Bapa Malaysia which appeared in Dr Sim’s social media platforms recently.
Dr Sim in his comments on the postings did not explicitly clarify See’s role in the meeting, but merely thanked an individual, presumably Premier of Sarawak, for the time and fruitful discussions.
Then Dr Sim went on to say that he is “looking forward to Premier Abang Johari as the guest of honour for SUPP Special Convention in conjunction with 60th anniversary of Sarawak’s Independence on Sept 2, at Dewan Sa’ati at SUPP headquarters”.
“(The) series of Special Conventions (are) to strengthen GPS and maintain Sarawak political stability,” says Dr Sim in all his social media posts.
Following that, he further expressed appreciation to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for their invitations to their events and apologised for unable to attend all due to his busy schedule.
The photo of the trio which Dr Sim posted on three social media platforms about 12 hours ago, has gone viral, fueling speculation that See may be joining SUPP.
A SUPP grassroots leader who wished to remain anonymous told DayakDaily that he did not discount the possibility, especially when Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) had made an overture to return to GPS’ fold by collaborating with another GPS component party Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) just last month.
“Since PSB is making an attempt to come back to GPS, it will be not surprised that SUPP is reaching out to See Chee How, whose seat, Batu Lintang used to be under SUPP. So it is perfectly sensible for SUPP to take See Chee in,” said the grassroots leader.
He said there is no issue if See were to join SUPP as the latter may join directly, without having to be join any party branch.
Another party insider asserted that it would be good for See, who is an independent lawmaker, to join GPS through SUPP in the midst of the ongoing political realignments.
“With the current realignment of all local political parties, this is an opportunity for further realignment of political leaning.
“If GPS could get more representation within Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN), it will further strengthen the coalition,” said the party insider.
When contacted, SUPP Batu Lintang chief Sih Hua Tong declined to address any hypothetical questions.
Dr Sim and See are yet to respond to inquiries from DayakDaily.
In 2021 Sarawak Election, Sih lost to See who stood under PSB by a mere 93 votes where Sih garnered 4,327 votes against See’s 4,420 votes in a five-cornered fight with three other candidates being Cherishe Ng of Parti Keadilan Rakyat or PKR (1,823 votes), Voon Lee Shan of Parti Bumi Kenyalang or PBK (1,570) and Parti Aspirasi Rakyat Sarawak or Aspirasi (187). — DayakDaily
