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Free Malaysia Today
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
PDP-SUPP row continues, this time over Sibu councillor's post
Sean Wong, the grandson of PDP senior vice-president Wong Soon Koh, was appointed a Sibu municipal councillor in April. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA : The row between two Gabungan Parti Sarawak allies has continued with the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) defending the appointment of senior vice-president Wong Soon Koh's grandson as a local councillor in Sibu. Bawang Assan PDP chief Wong Hua said it was the party's right to nominate Sean Wong as a Sibu municipal councillor, fending off criticism from a Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) leader. Wong Hua said SUPP should mind its own business instead of concerning itself with the affairs of other parties, the Borneo Post reported. 'If you are questioning why Sean was recommended by our party, then all I can say is thank you very much for your concern. When SUPP recommended its councillors, PDP never commented on the appointments,' he said. He was responding to Dudong SUPP Youth chief Yiing Sy Huat, who is also a Sibu councillor, who questioned Sean's appointment to the post. Sean is the grandson of Bawang Assan assemblyman Soon Koh, the former state finance minister II who has had an ongoing conflict with SUPP since he was sacked from the party in 2014. Not long ago, Soon Koh was the Parti Sarawak Bersatu president as well as the opposition leader. However, the party was dissolved when he and other members joined PDP en bloc. Sean was appointed a Sibu municipal councillor in April. Wong Hua urged Yiing to focus on his job as a councillor instead of politicking, saying their energy should be spent on serving the public and developing the local community instead of meaningless arguments and personal attacks.
Free Malaysia Today
4 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
It's now an open conflict between SUPP and PDP, says leader
Dudong SUPP chief Wong Ching Yong said the party stands to lose its political strongholds if it continues to adopt a soft and courteous stance with its ally. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA : The conflict between the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) and the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) is now an open confrontation, according to a leader of one of the parties. Dudong SUPP chief Wong Ching Yong said the party's six divisions in Sibu must close ranks and collectively fend off attempts by their Gabungan Parti Sarawak ally to undermine any of them. 'Continuing to adopt a soft, courteous stance would only weaken SUPP's position further, possibly leading to the loss of its political strongholds. 'This is precisely why all six Sibu branches must close ranks and do everything we can to safeguard our presence and relevance here,' he said, according to The Borneo Post. PDP and SUPP leaders have clashed multiple times in recent years, particularly after PDP accepted Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) leaders and members en bloc last year. PSB, led by Wong Soon Koh until its dissolution, is a splinter of SUPP. Last week, PDP president Tiong King Sing claimed that an unnamed politician had interfered in the election of the Sibu Chinese Community Leaders Association's committee members, ordering all PDP members to withdraw from the association. Tiong did not name the party or the leader, but hinted that it might be a party associated with PDP by questioning whether the party in question would be able to win future elections on its own 'without the support of allied parties'. Tiong, a vice-chairman of GPS, is also the assemblyman for Dudong, located in Sibu.
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
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
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Ching Yong: SUPP-PDP now in open political confrontation
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.
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Kota Sentosa rep urges Peninsular politicians to respect Sarawak's constitutional status
Wilfred Yap – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (June 16): Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap has expressed deep concern that some politicians from Peninsular-based political parties continue to misrepresent Sarawak's rightful constitutional position as one of the founding partners of Malaysia. The Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) lawmaker said these mischaracterisations ignore the historical context, legal safeguards, and the unique constitutional status accorded to Sarawak upon the formation of Malaysia. 'Politicians — particularly those serving in the federal government — must uphold the third and fourth principles of the Rukun Negara: Keluhuran Perlembagaan (Supremacy of the Constitution) and Kedaulatan Undang-undang (Rule of Law). 'These principles require all Malaysians, especially leaders, to respect the constitutional framework that guarantees Sarawak's special status and legislative autonomy,' he said in a statement explaining the significance of the Borneo States (Legislative Powers) Order 1963 and Sarawak's Legislative Rights. Yap, who is a lawyer, urged those who remain uninformed to educate themselves on the Borneo States (Legislative Powers) Order 1963, the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), and the Federal Constitution. 'Sarawak is not merely one of the states in Malaysia, but an equal founding partner with its own distinct constitutional arrangements. 'Our State Legislative Assembly (Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak) retains wider powers under the State List, including in matters of natural resources, land, licensing, and oil and gas — areas which are not under the control of the federal legislature,' he explained. According to Yap, the Borneo States (Legislative Powers) Order 1963, enacted under the Malaysia Act 1963 by the British Government with the consent of Sarawak and Sabah, amended the Federal Constitution to expand the legislative competence of the Borneo States. 'This Order is a key constitutional instrument that grants Sarawak greater autonomy in law-making, particularly in relation to land, forests, mining, oil and gas, and the granting of licences related to these sectors. This means that Sarawak holds legislative authority over licensing for activities related to its own natural resources, including petroleum operations.' Additionally, he said Article 161 of the Federal Constitution provides further protection by preserving laws that were in force in Sarawak prior to Malaysia Day (Sept 16, 1963), including laws relating to land, natural resources, native customs, and religion. 'These pre-Malaysia Day laws remain valid unless and until repealed by the Sarawak Legislature – not by the federal Parliament. This ensures that Sarawak's legal traditions and safeguards, including those affecting oil and gas, continue to have constitutional force,' he added. Yap said the ongoing relevance of both the Borneo States Order and Article 161 cannot be overstated, a they serve as critical constitutional safeguards protecting Sarawak's sovereign rights, particularly in sectors vital to our economic development such as oil and gas. 'Any attempt to override Sarawak's licensing authority or regulatory powers in these areas runs contrary to the Constitution and the spirit of MA63,' he added. He concluded by calling on all Sarawakians to remain united and vigilant in defending their constitutional rights. 'We must reject any narrative or policy that diminishes our status or centralises control over resources that constitutionally belong to Sarawak.' Yap added that the federal government must honour MA63 not only in word but in action, and respect the legal instruments — including the Borneo States (Legislative Powers) Order 1963 and Article 161 — that define Sarawak's rightful place as an equal partner in the Malaysian Federation. constitutional position lead Wilfred Yap
