SIBU: United People’s Party (UPP) president Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh has reiterated his party’s readiness to work together with Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP).
Wong stated this during the Chinese New Year gathering organised by United Chinese Association (UCA) Sibu held at Kingwood Hotel here on Monday night.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, the guest of honour, was accompaied by his wife, Datin Patinggi Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang.
According to Wong, UPP leaders and members had responded positively to repeated calls by the chief minister that the two parties build a common ground to work together.
He said it was time for UPP and SUPP to work together in unison to contribute towards a more united Sarawak with the general election approaching.
He believed that Chinese community leaders and members throughout Sarawak, particularly in Sibu, are looking forward anxiously for the two parties to work closely together for greater unity.
“A more united Chinese community will enable us to work for greater unity with other racial or communal groups in the country,” he said.
The Minister of International Trade and E-Commerce noted that based on the previous election result, all the predominantly Chinese constituencies – Kuching, Stampin, Sibu, Lanang, Sarikei and Miri had all gone to the opposition Democratic Action Party (DAP).
“The Chinese based parties of UPP and SUPP would want to have some share of the parliamentary seats,” he said.
He stressed that both UPP and SUPP must work together, assessing each other’s strength to identify the winnable candidates to represent the Chinese community if they want to recapture some of the seats.
Wong said the two parties must work together in facing challenges for only then can they hope to build a stronger Barisan Nasional (BN).
“Unity is most important in ensuring victory. Going separately or going against each other will do nobody any good,” he stressed.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau, Deputy China Consulate General, Zhang Yang and Assistant Minister of Transportation Datuk Dr Jerip Susil were among those present.
