Dr Sim hoists the SUPP flag during the gathering. From front left are Chee, Yong, Ting, Harden, SUPP organising secretary Datuk Matthew Chen and Tan.
KUCHING: The dust of the May 7 state election has yet to settle but Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) has already begun to lay the groundwork for the next parliamentary election which is not due until 2018.
SUPP president Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian hinted that six of the seven parliamentary seats traditionally allocated to the party may see new faces.
“We hope to see more young members from SUPP running for the next general election so start to lay the groundwork and foundation now,” he said during a flag-raising ceremony to mark the party’s 57th anniversary yesterday.
The six seats are Kuching, Sibu, Stampin, Miri, Sarikei and Lanang, which the party lost during the 2013 parliamentary election.
SUPP currently holds just the Serian parliamentary seat through Minister of Human Resources Datuk Richard Riot Jaem.
“I have discussed this matter with the Chief Minister (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem) and we have agreed to give the chance to more young and energetic people as potential candidates,” said Dr Sim.
The Minister for Local Government called on younger members to start working hard for their nominations now and not just put in effort only after being nominated.
Dr Sim also reminded the party’s assemblymen and members not to take their one chance to regain the support of the people for granted.
“This is the golden era for SUPP again. Even though the state election is over, our campaign will not stop here and we must work harder for Sarawakians,” he said.
“We seek to improve ourselves and not just turn over a new leaf because it is not enough.”
Noting that the Chinese community is still divided, Dr Sim said things are still critical with many outstanding issues to be addressed.
“But no matter what, we must work closely together and remain united. There will be potential troubles and consequences on the party if the outstanding issues are not dealt with properly,” he cautioned.
“So let us push more efforts and take the opportunity to lay the groundwork and foundation to face the general election, which might be called next year.”
He called on SUPP members to reflect on what the party stands for.
“We rejuvenate and rise again. It is important for us to go back to what the party stands for and that’s for the people … We go back to the people,” he said.
“Make use of this one chance as we move forward from strength to strength.
“This is SUPP with new leadership and we will continue to move forward in our 57 years of history and struggles.”
Among those present were Assistant Minister for Rural Economy (Interior Areas) and Plantations and SUPP vice-president II Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, Piasau assemblyman and SUPP secretary-general Datuk Sebastian Ting, SUPP vice-president I Datuk Lily Yong, SUPP vice-president and Central Women’s wing chair Datin Jennifer Chee Moinie, as well as deputy secretary-general II Tan Joo Phoi.