Wong Soon Koh to lead newly-formed United People’s Party (UPP)
Wong shows reporters a photocopy of the UPP registration certificate.
KUCHING: Teras leaders Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh and Tan Sri William Mawan yesterday boldly decided to serve the people through two different political entities.
While Mawan continues to helm Teras, Wong will lead a newly registered political entity – United People’s Party (UPP) approved last Monday by the Registrar of Societies.
Joining Wong are Bengoh assemblyman Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, Opar assemblyman Ranum Mina and Engkilili assemblyman Johnical Rayong Nyipa.
In announcing this at a press conference here yesterday, Wong, who is Bawang Assan assemblyman, explained the move was the best strategy for both former Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) and Sarawak Democratic Progressive Party (SPDP) elected representatives (YBs) to move forward and mobilise themselves better in gathering support for Barisan Nasional (BN).
Wong who is also Second Finance Minister said UPP will work closely with Teras as a group, only that it is on a different platform.
“We speak for those who have been sacked from SUPP or marginalised within SUPP. As a result, we were denied the opportunity to serve the people from the base of a political party. We initially had intended to work with the group of SPDP YBs under the leadership of YB Tan Sri William Mawan through their new party Teras.
“However, after much consultation and getting feedback from our people on the ground, we have come to the conclusion that it would be better for the former YBs of SUPP and SPDP to work in a close partnership but to move forward on separate platforms.
Wong (seated second left) fielding questions from the press as Mawan (seated third left) looks on. Also seen at the press conference are Dr Jerip (seated left), Entri (seated right) and (standing from left) Rayong, Paulus, Rosey and Ranum.
“By moving forward on separate platforms, we can provide a more meaningful and constructive leadership to the people we serve in the multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-cultural context,” Wong told the press conference held at Mawan’s office at Bangunan Baitulmakmur (Masja) yesterday.
The Local Government and Community Development Minister added that UPP will place greater emphasis on the Chinese community and Teras will focus on the Dayak community, following the footsteps of their former parties.
“UPP is a new beginning for BN supporters who have lost their faith in SUPP. UPP is a new beginning for the Chinese community who long for a fresh start. UPP is the opportunity for the Chinese community to once again have a meaningful representation in the government. UPP is a chance for the youth to come forward and be the leaders of tomorrow,” he said on the formation of UPP.
In a possible reference to SUPP, Wong further explained that the newly registered party will not be constrained by the old guards and that UPP branches will not be monopolised by supporters of the old guards.
Wong highlighted that UPP will support and be loyal to Barisan, while fully engaging in collective responsibility within the BN family.
Sharing the same sentiment, Mawan, who is Social Development Minister, said Wong’s latest move should not be seen as them parting company but more of going on a separate command and entity, stressing both parties would remain partners akin to “one group but two fronts” in a “convergence of thoughts”.
“There is no love lost here. We (UPP and Teras) are still in the same group. We are preparing ourselves to get ourselves better organised but remain as one, with one stated objective and one true group, short of saying ourselves as merger of minds,” the senior state minister said.
“No, it is not because of that but more of having a better platform to serve the community especially the Chinese. We want to bring the Chinese community together,” he said when met by reporters after a press conference at his office at Bangunan Baitul Makmur in Petra Jaya here.