SUPP eager to have meeting with BN components to discuss way forward

 May 18, 2018, Friday

KUCHING: Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) is looking forward to a meeting with other state BN component  parties to discuss the way forward for the state, which is now in the opposition following the outcome of the just-concluded general election.

Its president Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said they also see this upcoming meeting as an opportunity to address weaknesses in administrating Sarawak so that they could enhance their strengths and integrity in governance, policy-making and economic planning.

He also stressed on the point that SUPP, together with Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) was the government of the day in Sarawak under Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

“We believe the four local based parties shall remain united in our mission to regain Sarawak’s rights, privileges and interests under Malaysia Agreement (MA63), Federal or State Constitution or State laws or ordinances or any other legal instruments which have been eroded over the years, as well as to ensure the existing ones are respected and duly complied with in letter and in spirit.

“Our hearts and minds are totally with the people, and we are fully committed in building a stronger and greater Sarawak that all Sarawakians can be very proud of,” he said in a statement yesterday.

On Wednesday, Abang Johari, who is also PBB president said the party was reviewing its partnership with BN and would come up with the ‘best solution in the best interest of Sarawak’.

Short of saying PBB and the other Sarawak BN components might form their own alliance, Abang Johari said the decision to stay or leave BN would be made after consulting the other state BN components.

“We will review and we will consult other state BN component parties. I have mentioned about the united coalition of Sarawak as our platform and we have to consult our Sarawak BN partners (before we make any decision),” Abang Johari was quoted as saying.

Later on the same day, PRS president and Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing suggested that the component parties leave BN and form a united front to prepare for the next state election to counter Pakatan Harapan since BN might no longer appeal to Sarawakians.