Soo (second right) displays the party’s logo to go along with its name change.
KUCHING: State Reform Party (STAR) has announced its change of name to Parti Aspirasi Rakyat Sarawak, or Aspirasi, in short.
Its president Lina Soo said the name change reflects today’s aspiration of their party members, supporters and of the people who “desire to see a free, rich and glorious Sarawak”.
She said the change of name was approved by the Registrar of Societies (ROS) on Jan 24 this year.
“Time never stands still. Now it is the 21st century. If we don’t change, nothing will change. Progress needs change, moving forward necessitates change,” she told a press conference on the need for a change in the party’s name.
STAR was first approved and registered on Oct 9, 1996. It was a splinter party of Sarawak National Party (SNAP) founded by Dr Patau Rubis after he was sacked from his position as assemblyman and state Assistant Minister.
She noted that STAR was the only party that was formed to oppose the rule of former chief minister and current Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
“But Taib is no longer in power now, so we can no longer dwell on the same issue, but to move forward in line with the people’s aspirations of today,” she said.
Soo said fittingly with a change of name, they have also changed their logo to a shield and the Rajah Brooke butterfly.
She noted that the iconic shield design was inspired by their desire to protect and defend Sarawak, which today is at a “political crossroads”, she told a press comference here today.
“The butterfly is not just a creation of beauty to be admired, but a deep and powerful representation of life. Many cultures see the butterfly as the symbol of the soul and represents endurance, transformation, hope and freedom. It is also a symbol of resurrection and eternal love, mentioned in Shakespeare’s works, in Chinese folklore, in poetry and in songs.
“Even though the butterfly has a short lifespan of seven days, its brief existence is iconic of the meaning of life not measured by seconds and minutes, but by how much it contributes to the ecosystem and sustenance of the planet,” she said.
Lina said with this change of name and logo, Aspirasi’s core policy goal is to pursue the Sarawak Referendum.
Soo believed the people of Sarawak are now politically mature and capable of making an informed decision to determine the sovereignty and destiny of their homeland.
“Now is the time for Sarawak people to take the future in their own hands and vote for the sake of future generations.
“If not now, when,” she said.