(From left) Wong, accompanied by Hii and Rayong, talking to the press.
MIRI: United People’s Party (UPP) pioneer committee chairman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh is confident that in time to come Barisan Nasional (BN) will recognise the party’s leaders.
“We just have to work very hard on the ground to help the people. I am sure in time to come BN leaders will recognise our leaders and based on wisdom and
judgment let UPP be represented in BN,” said Wong when approached after the inaugural annual general meeting and lunch for the party’s branches in Miri region – Piasau, Pujut, Senadin and Bekenu.
Asked for comments on the number of candidates to be fielded in the forthcoming state election, Wong said they would field as many as possible.
‘Let the winnable candidates stand for Barisan Nasional and we want BN to win every seat. BN needs as many seats as possible.
“We have to be realistic as Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) has only 19 seats where we can work on winnable candidates. As for the new seats we leave it to Barisan Nasional top leaders,” he added.
On another development, Wong hoped to see 26 branches of the party set up by the first week of December before the delegates’ conference to elect the party’s central leadership on Jan 11.
Earlier in his speech, Wong reminded party members to go to the ground to listen to the voice of the people.
“After that, the people can analyse what we are really working for so that we can do what they want us to do. It is important that we make ourselves felt in the community and we are not only heard but seen to be doing something.”
Stressing on ‘walking the talk’, Wong said it is important that the party including its leaders and members be honest with the people.
“Something that can be done we ought to do immediately and if it is something that requires time let us explain to the people that we need time to solve the problem. Something that cannot be done we also have to sit down and explain to them,” he said.
“It is important to keep ourselves open. Through an open mind and consultation we come to some consensus and consolidation. Only then we can gain trust from the people and we can work together with our people so that they can trust and have confidence in us as a party and leader,” he added.
Also present at the function were Engkilili assemblyman Dr Johnical Rayong Nyipa, branch chairmen Datuk Hii King Chiong (Piasau), Cr Bruce Chai (Pujut), Cr Keith Chin (Senadin) and Penghulu Haw Min Wai (Bekenu).