Jimbat (third right) presents a formal request to Wong. From right are Ranum, Dr Jerip, Dr Rayong, Lo and Hu. — Photos by Muhammad Rais Sanusi
KUCHING: Leaders, delegates and members from 25 branches throughout the state attended the United People’s Party (UPP) Extraordinary Delegates Conference held at KTS Garden here yesterday.
The majority of them arrived at the function hall before 10.30am to receive the arrival of party president Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, who is also Minister of International Trade and E-Commerce and Second Finance Minister.
Soon after the playing of the national and state anthem, representatives of all UPP branches placed their party flags on the stage to signify unity.
The 25 branches were Batu Kawa, Batu Lintang, Bawang Assan, Bekenu, Mambong, Bintulu, Bukit Assek, Dudong, Engkilili, Kanowit, Kota Sentosa, Limbang, Marudi, Meradong, Opar, Padungan, Pending, Piasau, Pujut, Samarahan, Sarikei, Senadin, Serian, Sri Aman and Tarat.
Wong delivered his welcoming speech which centred on reviewing the party’s activities to take stock of their performance while charting UPP’s future course.
UPP deputy president Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, who is also Assistant Minister for Transportation, also addressed the delegates and members.
Before the conference proceeded with passing a resolution to amend the party’s constitution, those present took in reports by secretary-general George Lo and treasurer Peter Hu.
As soon as the conference concluded, a representative from Batang Ai, led by UPP Youth chief Dr Johnical Rayong Ngipa, approached Wong, appealing to the party to set up UPP Batang Ai branch.
Jimbat Bang, who hails from Batang Ai, presented a formal request to Wong in the presence of Dr Jerip, Lo, Hu, Dr Rayong and senior vice-president Datuk Ranum Mina.
According to Jimbat, there are already over 700 potential UPP members on his list.
He thus hoped UPP would set up a branch in that state constituency.