UPP members watch a lion dance performance at the launching ceremony of UPP Padungan branch office. Wong is at the centre.
KUCHING: The Padungan branch of United People’s Party (UPP) is taking on a more people-centric approach that emphasises commitment, sincerity and honesty to bring together people in this diverse community towards a common vision.
Its chairman Datuk Wung Heok Hoi said the branch together with other sub-branches would follow in the footsteps of party president Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh by pooling all their strength to put in place the party’s direction and keep moving towards its goals.
“We will remain united to fight for the interests of the people through the setting up of our office and website as well as actively carrying out various activities,” he highlighted at the launch of the branch and its website which was graced by Wong at Jalan Pending here yesterday.
The website (www.upppadungan.org.my) will serve as an important communication channel between the branch and the public who are concerned about the present and future political development of Sarawak.
“UPP is a new wave of political renewal in Sarawak as it has brought about hope for the people,” he said.
Looking back at the political development of the state the past 40 years, Wung pointed out that it was the past and present leaders who had enabled Sarawak to achieve political stability and harmony.
“So is UPP’s vision which is to protect and ensure political stability and racial harmony,” he added.
UPP, he stressed, provides a new platform, especially for the younger generation who are interested to actively participate in politics.
Meanwhile, when addressing the event, Wong emphasised the importance of having self-consciousness, conducting oneself with respect and dignity as well as striving for self-improvement.
“In this critical period of time at which sensitive religious and racial issues in Semenanjung Malaysia have picked up steam and are posing threats towards the central government, social stability and so on, there is a need to heighten self-awareness,” he stressed.
“We need to have great care and meticulous planning to deal with and stop the influence on Sarawak,” he said.
Wong noted that UPP Padungan branch has detailed plans to win over people’s support.
“I hope all leaders and members of UPP will have the knowledge, the determination, with enhanced understanding on all aspects and political situations as well as be influential and convincing to walk with and lead the people,” he said.
Emphasising again that unity is the core foundation of the diverse people in the state, he said marginalisation of race or ethnicity is an unhealthy practice.
“Racial barrier should not be an issue for us for we have lived harmoniously together since the beginning.
“If such sensitive racial issue persists, it will not do any good for any one at all,” he said.
As for the Chinese community, he urged them to unite in order to strengthen their power to fight for their rights.
“It is time for us to give all our energy and work hard to contribute to our people, the Chinese community and the society.”
Wong expressed confidence that UPP would grow from strength to strength throughout Sarawak to serve the people in every corner of the state.
Opar assemblyman Ranum Mina, UPP Batu Kawa branch chief Pemanca Liu Thian Leong and UPP Padungan branch committee members were among those present.