Wong Ching Yong
SIBU (June 16): The political competition between Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) and its Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) ally Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) has now moved from behind-the-scenes manoeuvring to open confrontation, said Wong Ching Yong.
The SUPP Dudong branch chairman said in view of this, any external attempt to undermine the six SUPP branches in Sibu must be met with a collective defence from all.
“The party’s slogan ‘Sa’ati (Satu Hati, or One Heart) reflects the fundamental belief in unity.
“This principle must remain central to SUPP’s political struggle, especially as the party gears up for upcoming elections,” he said when speaking at the SUPP Nangka branch’s Father’s Day dinner here on Sunday.
Others who spoke at the event were Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang, who is Pelawan assemblyman; Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng, and SUPP Nangka chairman Chua Beng Seng.
Also present were SUPP Dudong advisor Datuk Dr Soon Choon Teck and SUPP Bawang Assan chairman Councillor Kevin Lau.
Wong, who is also SUPP Central assistant publicity and information secretary, said in the recent issue surrounding the election of Sibu Chinese Community Leaders Association office bearers, only the Dudong and Sibu Jaya branches spoke out against the allegations made by PDP.
This, he noted, has caused some unease among SUPP supporters and party members.
“While our Pelawan and Bukit Assek branches are currently represented by elected assemblymen, the other four branches—Dudong, Sibu Jaya, Bawang Assan, and Nangka—must not be left to struggle alone.
“We must remember the adage, ‘When the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold.’ In other words, we cannot afford to mind only our own turf while others are under attack.”
Wong also said that following hard-fought victories in Pelawan and Bukit Assek in the 2021 state elections, SUPP’s opponents are now using “aggressive tactics” to undermine the party’s political foothold.
“This is precisely why all six Sibu branches must close ranks and do everything we can to safeguard our presence and relevance.
“Continuing to adopt a soft, courteous stance would only weaken SUPP’s position further, possibly leading to the loss of its political strongholds.”
He further called on the six Sibu branches to communicate their concerns to the party’s central leadership to explore strategies for dealing with the increasingly tense political landscape.
Separately, Wong expressed concern over a Gabungan Parti Sarawak component party leader in Sibu who for reasons unknown has taken to criticising SUPP and making disrespectful remarks about party president, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He stressed that the partnership between SUPP and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu—forged since the 1970s—is built on more than five decades of mutual respect, cooperation, and understanding.
“Therefore, even when disagreements arise among GPS component parties, it is vital to maintain mutual respect.
“This longstanding alliance should not be jeopardised by divisive rhetoric. Let us not forget the value of trust and unity that has held our coalition together for generations,” he said.