Wong: No dispute to Tiong, Lau candidacy

by Raymond Tan, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on June 11, 2012, Monday

SOUNDING THE BATTLE HORN: A traditional call for unity in Sibu SUPP branch as members gear up for the election. Leading the sounding of the horn is Wong (third right). The proposed candidate Temenggong Vincent Lau is on his right.

SIBU: SUPP Sibu Branch chairman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh said there had never been any dispute within the party with regards to the proposal of the two candidates for Sibu and Lanang for the coming general election.

Speaking to reporters yesterday at his branch’s training session for party members in Sibu Parliamentary constituency, he said there had been a consensus to the proposal to field Datuk Tiong Thai King (for Lanang) and Temenggong Vincent Lau (Sibu), even from party leaders outside Sibu.

Wong, who is also the Second Finance Minister and Minister of Local Government and Community Development, had been out with party members to back up the two candidates.

In the training session yesterday, he was there to boost party members and Lau.

He said a similar course would also be held in Lanang Parliamentary constituency.

Wong was beaming with confidence yesterday, saying he had faith in retaining Lanang (Tiong is its MP) and wresting Sibu from the DAP.

“This has come from feedback gathered. We have been out to hear the voices of the people and to work with them.”

He said there were different voices out there, including loud voices from those voting for the opposition.

“There are other voices too – soft-spoken voices and voices speaking about people’s needs, desires and aspirations.

“There are even softer voices. I want party members to listen even to the whispers and the silent voice of the people.We must be out serving and coordinating their needs.”

Although the faith to victory is there, Wong wanted party members to work hard, adding this would be a tough fight – so much so it could be SUPP’s life-and-death battle.

He said there were over 1,300 leaders in Sibu Branch’s units, and if they pooled their resources together, it would be a sure victory.

Although two winnable candidates had been proposed, he said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had the final say on who would be picked.

Wong was full of praise for Najib for his leadership in steering BN representatives in the election.

He said the prime minister had taken great pains to choose only winnable BN candidates based on feedbacks from the ground.

“In the last state election, Najib talked with all BN candidates in Miri to share with them the nation’s aspirations and to arm the candidates well for the battle.”

Wong expected similar preparations and commitments from Najib for the coming general election.

On the possible date of the 13th general election, he said only Najib would know.

“My guess for the election date is if it were to be held before Ramadan, it could possibly be in July, or else, it could be any date in September or later.”

But Wong reiterated that what was more important was the preparedness of the people.

“We have to choose our leaders based on analysis and talk about our political chips in the government if we want to share political power with people of other races.”

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