Dr Sim (fifth right) and his party members hold up the SUPP manifesto.
KUCHING: The Sarawak United People’s Party’s (SUPP) seeks to once again represent the Chinese community in the new state government.
During SUPP’s manifesto launched yesterday, the state’s oldest party called on voters to give its new leadership a chance.
SUPP president Senator Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said it would be unhealthy for the new state government not to reflect the ethnic composition of the state.
“Our mission is to safeguard the sovereignty and inviolable rights of Sarawak and to build a stronger Sarawak for Sarawakians, to promote more policies which are transparent and beneficial to the people, and to integrate urban and rural development for the benefit of all communities,” he said.
Among the manifesto’s pledges are to safeguard autonomy, quality education, anti-corruption and clean government, boost trade and the economy as well as youth employment.
He suggested an independent committee be established in the State Legislative Assembly to look into the practices of elected representatives.
Meanwhile, when asked on SUPP’s chances in the Batu Kitang seat, he said no one could predict uncharted territory, including independent candidates.
“There are nine more days before polling and much work can be covered during that time. There is still a large group of people on the middle ground, especially in Batu Kitang, Batu Kawa and Pending. Every urban seat is a challenge, and it is critical to sell to the voters,” he said.
“I urge voters, after 10 years (under the opposition), give BN a chance. I can guarantee you will never be disappointed.”
To reporters from Peninsular Malaysia, Dr Sim stressed that Sarawak is not asking for something special, just the state’s fair share according to the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
“The Malaysia Agreement 1963 is still valid until today. We just want to implement what is agreed upon. The agreement is not superseded by the Constitution. Please be fair to us,” he stressed.