Dr Chan believes present veteran leaders could not initiate the desired changes
KUCHING: SUPP president Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan said he strongly believed that the party must be led by a totally new leader.
He reasoned that the existing crop of veterans would not be able to bring the desired change which the state’s oldest party badly needed.
The former deputy chief minister pointed out that by passing the baton to a new leader, it would help ensure that the party would not plunge into chaos.
“I really believe that all the veteran leaders should step down. If you let (Dato Sri) Wong Soon Koh (deputy secretary-general) to take over (as president) other members may not be happy.
“Similarly, some other members may not accept the decision if (Datuk) David Teng (treasurer) is to take over.
“Therefore, why not let a junior take over as president. Then the junior can work with other new leaders from Kuching, Sibu and Miri. Isn’t this a better solution?” he asked.
On the new president, Dr Chan said he believed Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian is a suitable candidate.
However, he added, more feedback from the ground were needed before Dr Sim could be given the mandate.
Meanwhile, SUPP vice-president Datuk Lily Yong said Dr Chan was entitled to his personal views about his successor.
“However, who is going to lead the party is not decided by one person but the whole party.
“I think we should stop speculating at the moment. The most important thing is to have another Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting to decide our next course of action,” she said.
In the April 16 polls, Dr Chan lost to DAP greenhorn Ling Sie Kiong by 1,590 votes.
Dr Sim, who was fielded in Pending, failed to help SUPP wrest back Pending from the DAP.
Incumbent Violet Yong defeated him by a majority of 7,595 votes.