SUPP to limit term of office for higher ranking office-bearers

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KUCHING: The term of office for office-bearers in Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) will be limited for positions like president, deputy president and secretary-general.

The same will apply to ministers and political secretaries at state and federal level of the party.

The matter will be discussed and tabled by delegates attending the Triennial Delegates Conference (TDC) this Dec 8 to 10.

Party president Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan did not mention the time frame when revealing this yesterday.

“We will limit the term of office for SUPP office-bearers, including that of ministers, and we will bring out this matter at the coming TDC.

“And if the delegates approve, we will send it to the Registrar of Societies (RoS) for the amendment of our (party) constitution,” Dr Chan told a press conference after the central working committee (CWC) meeting at the headquarters.

According to him, the term limit was among issues stated in the party’s Forward Plan called ‘SUPP: The Way Forward’.

The plan started in 2006 when the party lost eight seats in the 2006 state election, and the party printed a book which stated that the post of president should not exceed nine years from the date he or she was elected or appointed.

For federal ministers, deputy chief minister and state minister, the maximum is two election terms, while three election terms for deputy/ assistant ministers. For MP and ADUN, the maximum period is four election terms.

However, the term limit shall be extended accordingly if the MP and ADUN are appointed minister, deputy/assistant minister or parliamentary secretary.

There is a six-year maximum term limit for political secretary at both state and federal levels and also local councillors, one term for senator, and eight years for chairman of local authority and statutory body.

Dr Chan said the term of office was limited to allow a smooth transition of power, and enable those in office to accomplish their duty.

“To me, it (limit on term of office) is good as it will enable those in power to accomplish what they want to do and for the younger party members to have a sense of responsibility,” stressed Dr Chan.