Soo (front, standing) with STAR Sarawak new office-bearers appealing for political funds.
KUCHING: The State Reform Party (STAR) here is appealing for public funding towards realising its dream of contesting in 30 constituencies in the upcoming state election.
Its newly-elected president Lina Soo admitted that the party had insufficient resources to field any candidate.
“The account statements for STAR as at 2015 amounted to RM1,368.65; the funding needed to contest in the 11th state election is at least RM15,000 per constituency.
Therefore, we are appealing to Sarawakians for help to ensure that our desire to stand (in the election) would be realised,” she said at a press conference after chairing STAR general meeting for the 2015-2021 committee at a hotel here on Saturday.
The appeal for public help in amassing funds for political purposes might be an unprecedented one amongst political parties in Malaysia, but Soo said STAR was following the move by political parties in many democratically-ruled countries, which also published their party accounts.
On the constituencies eyed by the party, Soo said they are Tasik Biru, Tanjung Datu, Padungan, Pending, Batu Lintang, Batu Kitang, Batu Kawah, Stakan, Serembu, Mambong, Kedup, Bukit Semuja, Semop, Daro, Jemoreng, Repok, Meradong, Machan, Bukit Assek, Dudong, Bawang Assan, Pelawan, Nangka, Dalat, Tellian, Balingian, Jepak, Tanjung Batu, Kemena and Samalaju.
Soo also revealed that STAR never had any rich ‘towkay’ or tycoon financing the party throughout its 20 years existence; nor had it ever received funding from overseas non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
“STAR would field 30 candidates – provided that it is successful in its public fund-raising appeal towards gathering the minimal RM15,000 per constituency, which would amount to RM450,000 for 30 (constituencies).
“Otherwise, we would have to abort this election plan; or to just contest in few constituencies based on affordability.”
STAR’s new office-bearers comprise chairman Johnny Bob Aput, vice-chairmen Buln Ribos and Tambi Pilang, deputy presidents James Undau, Mura Kadir and Zulfaqar Sa’adi, vice-presidents Fatrick Time Nawi, Jotem Kipa, Mohd Annuar Abd Hamid, Richard Revis Jimin, Adam Wong Sing Wei, Moh Hiong King and Mesah Suhaili, secretary-general Simon Tiong Ing Tung, treasurer Chieng Lea Phing, women’s chief Sylvia John and advisor Donny Ruing.