SUPP reaffirms unwavering commitment in fighting for Sarawak's rights, autonomy

Dr Soon (fourth right, front) slices a 'nangka' (jackfruit) while (from third right, front) Chieng, Tiang, Lau, Chua and others look on. – Photo by Peter Boon
SIBU (June 16): Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) reaffirmed its commitment to fighting for Sarawak's rights and autonomy during its 66th anniversary celebration.
Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang emphasized that SUPP, along with other component parties in Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), was committed to protecting and safeguarding Sarawak's rights.
He recounted the party's journey since its founding in 1959, saying they had one goal — to fight for Sarawak and for Sarawakians.
'Our objective was to unite all ethnic groups under the Sarawakian identity and to make Sarawak stronger, better and become our own master. Those objectives were in 1959,' he said during the anniversary cum Father's Day celebration hosted by the SUPP Nangka branch here last Sunday.
The Pelawan assemblyman also highlighted the key milestones in SUPP's political journey and recalled the formation of GPS in 2018 after Sarawak-based parties, including SUPP, left Barisan Nasional.
'Together with Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), we formed GPS to put Sarawak first. GPS fights for Sarawak, only Sarawak.'
He also outlined achievements that underscored GPS' and SUPP's continuous efforts in restoring Sarawak's rights.
'In 2021, the Federal Constitution was amended to restore Sabah and Sarawak's status as equal partners alongside Malaya (as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963).
'That same year, Sarawak amended its state constitution to replace the title of Chief Minister with Premier, reflecting its elevated constitutional status.
'In 2021, we also fought for Sarawak's right to define our own indigenous people without interference from the federal government. We define our indigenous people as native,' he said.
He further mentioned that since 2019 until now, Sarawak continues to fight for its regulatory rights over oil and gas.
'We even formed Petros to be the sole aggregator for our gas distribution, and last month (May), our Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg signed a joint declaration, recognising Sarawak gas distribution ordinance and our right over our gas, (with) Petros as the sole aggregator.
'All these achievements, we make Sarawak strong again — just through our petroleum product sales tax, we also generated a lot of revenues. From 2019 to 2023, we have generated RM16 billion in revenue. These accomplishments, achieved alongside SUPP, mark significant milestones for Sarawak,' he said.
'When we come to crossroads, SUPP was there together with other component parties (in GPS). So, we are there to defend Sarawak, safeguard Sarawak (rights),' he said.
Regarding the celebration of Father's Day, he said it was important for fathers to pay attention to their children's feelings and ideas.
'In today's world, children encounter numerous challenges, particularly online, such as bullying and similar issues.
'It is the responsibility of parents to ensure the well-being of their children. Instead of constantly insisting on obedience from children, consider other approaches,' he advised.
Among those speaking at the event were Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng, SUPP Dudong branch chairman Wong Ching Yong and SUPP Nangka chairman Chua Beng Seng.
SUPP Dudong advisor Datuk Dr Soon Choon Teck and SUPP Bawang Assan chairman Kevin Lau were also present. autonomy Michael Tiang Sarawak rights Sarawak United People's Party

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

The Star

4 hours ago

• The Star

Rights violations persist a decade after UN report

A decade after a landmark UN report concluded North Korea committed crimes against humanity, a UN official investigating rights in the isolated state said many abuses continue, exacerbated by Covid-19-era controls that have yet to be lifted. James Heenan, who represents the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Seoul, said he is still surprised by the continued prevalence of executions, forced labour and reports of starvation in the authoritarian country. North Korea's embassy in London did not answer phone calls seeking comment. A Reuters investigation in 2023 found leader Kim Jong-un had spent much of the Covid-19 pandemic building a massive string of walls and fences along the previously porous border with China, and later built fences around the capital of Pyongyang. On Wednesday, SI Analytics, a Seoul-based satellite imagery firm, released a report noting North Korea is renovating a key prison camp near the border with China, possibly in response to international criticism, while simultaneously strengthening physical control over prisoners under the pretence of facility improvement. Heenan said his team has talked to over 300 North Koreans who fled their country in recent years, and many expressed despair. 'Sometimes we hear people saying they sort of hope a war breaks out because that might change things,' he said. A number of those interviewees will speak publicly for the first time next week as part of an effort to put a human face on the UN findings. 'It's a rare opportunity to hear from people publicly what they want to say about what's happening in the DPRK,' Heenan said. While human rights has traditionally been a politically volatile subject not only for Pyongyang but for foreign governments trying to engage with the nuclear-­armed North, Heenan said issues like prison camps need to be part of any engagement on a political settlement. 'There's no point self-­censoring on human rights because... no one's fooled,' Heenan said. — Reuters

Borneo Post

5 hours ago

• Borneo Post

Pontianak-Kuching direct flights may resume soon, says Abdul Karim

(From left) Sherrina, Abdul Karim, Ting and Sharzede in a press conference at the festival. – Photo by Roystein Emmor SANTUBONG (June 21): Direct flights between Pontianak and Kuching may soon resume, following the Indonesian government's decision to reopen its airspace for the route. Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, confirmed the development during a press conference today, saying Indonesia has now agreed to open up its skies for the Pontianak-Kuching sector. 'I'm very happy. It has been announced on that side that they are opening up their skies from Pontianak. 'You see, Indonesia, they have got their own way. The decree must come from the President. I'm not putting the blame on the previous President because we've been asking and asking, please start again the Pontianak-Kuching flight. But it was not given. 'And recently, I was made to understand that they are opening up their skies. So, it's up to the airlines to start operating again. So, probably there are a few that might be looking into it now because I know that sector is a very good sector. It does not benefit Sarawak only. It does not benefit Malaysia only. It also benefits the other side,' he said. Abdul Karim noted that reinstating the route would offer a major convenience for Sarawakians. 'A lot of Sarawakians now, instead of driving four, five hours to Pontianak, they might as well just fly half an hour. And that will definitely benefit the industry, the tourism industry in Pontianak,' he said. When asked whether the Sarawak government would encourage low-cost carriers like AirAsia to take up the route, Abdul Karim confirmed that discussions are ongoing. 'Of course, we will be. Not just AirAsia. Even airlines from Indonesia. Indonesia has got lots of budget airlines. If they are willing to participate in that, of course, we are very, very happy,' he said. He also highlighted growing demand along the Sarawak–Indonesia air corridor. 'You can see now that the flight from Kuching to Jakarta used to be once a day. Now, it's already twice a day. And the loading is very high. Either way. So, there's big potential there,' he said. Also present were State Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting; the ministry's permanent secretary Datu Sherrina Husaini; and Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Sharzede Datu Salleh Askor. Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah direct flights Kuching Pontianak

Borneo Post

6 hours ago

• Borneo Post

Tiang: Keep politics out of NGOs, focus on serving all Sarawakians

Tiang (fourth left) presents an MRP cheque to a representative from the Sibu Division Chinese Community Leaders Association, Penghulu Yong King Sung, while others look on. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (June 21): Sarawak Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang, has urged political leaders to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of associations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). He said their autonomy must be respected, and that politicians should not encourage dissatisfied members to leave their associations. 'I think that is irresponsible. And I urge the politicians never use all these NGOs to leverage their political mileage,' he said. Speaking during the distribution of Minor Rural Project (MRP) funds here today, Tiang stressed that service delivery should remain above political interests. 'They don't care which party actually appoints which community leaders,' he added. Tiang also urged councillors and community leaders to resolve disputes through proper internal channels, instead of airing grievances publicly. 'Do not openly fire against each other or exchange comments in newspapers. Because that is not Sarawak culture. Sarawak culture is all about unity, peace, harmony and respect for each other. 'So, I urge them to seek a proper channel to resolve (any dispute),' he said. The Pelawan assemblyman also presented RM1.28 million in MRP grants to 131 associations and NGOs. He emphasised that the allocations are for the benefit of all Sarawakians, regardless of race, background, or political affiliation. 'People means those who support ruling parties and also those who support opposition parties. It doesn't matter; no matter what background, what race you're from. 'So long as you're part of Sibu, you're from Sibu, you're a Sarawakian, we go out to serve. 'We all provide our services. We don't look at your political background. And we believe that political inclinations do not stop us from providing services for the general public. 'Our duty is to listen and to react and to find solutions for the people,' he said. Tiang noted that although his elected role is for Pelawan, his team strives to assist anyone in need across Sibu and beyond, if resources allow. He also reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling promises made to the public. 'I always keep my word. Today's RM1.28 million in MRP grants is part of that promise,' he said. associations Michael Tiang ngos politics