‘Larger than expected crowd’

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Cheng (left) poses with his pro tem committee members. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi

KUCHING: The launch of United People’s Party (UPP) yesterday was attended by more people than expected.

The pro tem committee, led by Desmond Cheng, had expected a crowd of only about 100-odd for the event at Crown Towers here, but 298 people registered to attend the function.

The simple yet historic, ceremony started off with Pastor Wilfred Jaboh offering a prayer for guidance and wisdom, followed by a brief introduction of pro tem committee members and pioneer committee members.

The other pro tem committee members were Wadel Boyod as the vice chairman, Hu Chang Siew (secretary), Wynneer Maclean Pugie (assistant secretary), Sio Ming Chuan (treasurer), Bengkil Jimi, William Ting, Kelvin Ting and Wong Kee Choon (committee members).

The UPP pioneer committee was announced to be led by Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, who is also Local Government and Community Development Minister.

His committee members included Datuk Dr Jerip Susil (Assistant Minister for Public Health and Bengoh assemblyman), Dr Johnical Rayong Ngipa (Engkilili assemblyman), Ranum Mina (Opar assemblyman), and George Lo, a lawyer.

Among those present were Temenggong Lu Kim Yong, Pemanca Liu Thian Leong, Penghulu Pui Sing Min, MBKS city secretary John Lee, chairman of Kuching Chung Hua Primary School No.1 to 6 Dr Chou Chii Ming and former SUPP leaders, including Datuk Tiong Thai King, Datin Janet Lau and Suzanne Lee.

One of the 298 attendees smiling for the camera. — Photo by Kong Jun Liung