Dr Sim (centre) raises the SUPP flag during the function. — Photo by Tan Song Wei
KUCHING: SUPP members must learn to change their mindset now that the party is in the opposition camp at the federal level.
Its president Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said although Barisan Nasional (BN) is no longer the government of the day at federal level, SUPP could still serve the people.
“We need to learn and change our mindset quickly now that we are an opposition party in Parliament. Even as an opposition, we must remember to serve the people with an opposition mindset particularly on ways to help the people in monitoring Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) performance and pledges,” he said at the SUPP flag-raising ceremony in conjunction with its 59th anniversary celebration at the party’s headquarters here yesterday.
He added that this was not the first time SUPP was in the opposition camp. “Don’t be frightened. What is important is that we adjust our mindset to focus on serving the people and fighting for their rights”.
Though BN had fallen to the PH in the 14th general election, Dr Sim said winning and losing in elections are part and parcel of politics.
“I’m sure a lot of us must have done some soul-searching after the election. But winning and losing elections is normal in politics.
“What’s important is how we dust ourselves off and stand up after losing so that we can continue the fight for Sarawak and Sarawakians.
“We may have lost the battle but we still want to fight the war for Sarawakians.”
He reminded SUPP members that in Sarawak, the party is still part of the government.
“We will continue to serve the people and I expect everyone in the party including councillors and community leaders to continue serving them. It is not just the party president’s job but it’s the responsibility of everyone because each of us are leaders.”
He said SUPP, together with fellow BN component parties PBB, PRS and PDP, must remain united for the sake of the state.
“We must continue to support Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s leadership so that in the next three years, we can show the people we can perform even though we are not in the same alliance (with PH).
“All parties must remain united and we must not quarrel and point fingers at one another over trivial matters. We must remember our main role and look at the bigger picture.”
He also suggested that more people-centric policies be introduced to benefit every Sarawakian regardless of race and religion.
“We also need to think of intangible things such as governance and what we can do with the system.
“In SUPP for instance, the president cannot hold the post for more than three terms, which is nine years.
“This is ensure that our policies are more focused, efficient and effective,” he added.