Wong: UPP to woo urban voters back to BN

SIBU: The political climate after the last state and general elections worries United People’s Party (UPP) Pioneer Committee chairman Datuk Sri Wong Soon Koh as there is a rise in racial polarisation in politics in the state.

He noted that the support for Barisan Nasional (BN) and for the opposition seemed to be racially split.

“The Chinese community has been leaning towards the opposition.  To me this is unhealthy,” he said when addressing the inaugural general meeting of UPP Dudong branch cum installation of its office-bearers at a leading hotel here yesterday.

Datuk Tiong Thai King was unanimously elected branch chairman.

Wong, who is also Minister of Local Government and Community Development said UPP carried the responsibility to turn the urban community towards supporting the BN.

Every member, he said, had an important role to play in strengthening the party.

“I also urge all members to be cooperative, work hard and shoulder responsibilities so that UPP will be accepted by all communities throughout the state.

“UPP, a new party in the BN family will endeavour to face the forthcoming state election,” Wong added.

Earlier,  UPP Dudong Wanita chief  Kapitan Connie Loh Ming Hua said her section aimed to recruit 1,000 members in five years.

She said UPP had great leaders like Wong and Tiong who had contributed a lot to society in their years in politics.

“We are very lucky that we have the opportunity to work and coordinate with them, and serve the community together with them.  There is definitely a lot that we can learn from them and under their leadership.

“Today is just the beginning.  There is still a long way to go.  But we are not alone in this journey, because we have one another, and our strength comes from us standing together in oneness,” she said.

Among those present at the function was UPP’s deputy president Datuk Dr Jerip Susil.