KUCHING: If the United States elected Barack Obama as its first-ever black president in 2008, there should be no reason not to see a non-Chinese president for SUPP.
SUPP deputy president Datuk Seri Richard Riot said no one would have thought the president of the United States would be a black before 2008, but it happened.
Hence, it would be possible to see a non-Chinese president leading SUPP after the party’s election in August, he said.
“SUPP is a multi-racial party even though 82 per cent of its members are Chinese. But if the majority of members are confident I can lead the party, and want me to be the president, then why not take it.
“I am not equating myself with President Barack Obama. He is a black and never before this you would have thought the president of America would be a black.
“That said, again I am not equating myself with him, but if that happens, I do not see why I cannot take it. Furthermore, with my 24 years of experience as MP, I think I am prepared to take any challenge given upon me,” he said when asked whether he would vie for the party’s presidency after the launch of ‘I Want Sihat’ camp at Sunny Hill School here yesterday.
Riot, who is also Minister of Human Resources and Serian MP, added he would cross the bridge when he came to it.
He disclosed the party’s triennial delegates’ conference (TDC) might not be held in two months’ time.
“We have word but this is not confirmed yet. Prime minister has got some overseas appointment on that particular date.”
Asked to confirm if the TDC would be held on Aug 23 and 24, Riot said: “As far as I know, it will not be on that date. But let’s just say it is still in August. This is still something which is not written in black and white.”
On April 30 after chairing the party’s central working committee (CWC) meeting, SUPP president Tan Sri Peter Chin told a news conference that the prime minister and chief minister would be invited to the TDC.