DEEP DIVISION: Ding (fourth left) with (from second right) Hu, Teng, Empaling, Chung and others during a photo call at SUPP Sarikei branch office.
SARIKEI: SUPP Sarikei Branch yesterday issued a statement protesting the appointment of Frederick Wong Kung Kuong as a pemanca for the local Chinese community.
The statement was released by SUPP Sarikei Branch committee chairman Ding Kuong Hiing at the branch office.
Among those present were his deputy tuai rumah Empaling Lanyau, secretary Chung Ping Wong, Wanita chief Kapitan Hu Suk Ngo, and Youth chief Teng Ung Woo.
The statement stressed that Kung Kuong was not fit for the post which should be filled by a SUPP member. In Kung Kuong’s case, he had not only quit the party in 2006 but had contested as an independent during the 9th state election that year.
In the 10th state election last year, he had openly supported the opposition.
The statement also mentioned they regretted that Kung Kuong’s appointment was recommended by Minister of Local Government and Community Development Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh.
They claimed that when SUPP Sarikei branch first learned of the matter last August, they immediately convened a meeting.
Among the decisions reached at the meeting was that the party should be consulted in the appointment of community leaders.
The branch was happy then that Wong listened to their opinion, and during the party’s monthly meeting on Oct 22 last year it was announced that Kung Kuong’s appointment had been withdrawn.
However, the branch was shocked to learn last Thursday that Kung Kuong had been offered the Pemanca post.
The branch is now urging the party’s Central Committee to conduct an investigation and take appropriate action against those who had compromised the party’s principle and dignity.
The statement added that it might carry out a signature campaign and hold a peaceful demonstration to show their displeasure over this appointment.