KUCHING: A long-serving SUPP member has thrown in the towel, citing disillusionment with the party leadership.
Sivanesan Sanmugalingam, the Stakan branch secretary, relinquished his position effective Sept 30. He also quit his membership from SUPP, which he joined 27 years ago.
He addressed his resignation letter dated Sept 30 to party president Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Sivanesan, when contacted, claimed that one of the reasons behind his decision was the party leadership’s lack of concern for the branch which was officially registered in November 2017.
“We have always been treated as a stepchild despite our branch being active right from day one of our formation,” he said.
Tracing the reasons for the formation of Stakan branch headed by chairman Sim Kian Chiok, he said the initial move started sometime in 2016 to stop infightings in the Kuching and Batu Lintang branches.
“We decided to form the Stakan branch then to get members of the feuding factions to move over to the new branch so as to avert a major crisis in the Kuching and Batu Lintang branches which would have put the party in a bad light.
“I have brought the branch to a level that is well noticed and well known politically. In terms of achievements I do not see any new things that I can achieve with the branch. Hence I see no future for me where I would be happy,” he said.
Sivanesan claimed the branch was sidelined on many occasions and not given an active role on party matters, and was overlooked when it came to key positions like community leaders and councillorships.
“We have only one councillor to show and that is our branch chairman. Whereas one or two newer branches have been considered for several counsellor’s posts, and even the post of kapitan,” he said.
He also claimed requests to the top leadership to consider a member of the branch as a candidate for the next general election “were totally ignored”.
On his post-political career he said, “I will concentrate on my personal and family development and continue to be of service via JKKK India Kuching as a civilian, and as long as my services there are required.
“My mother, Penghulu Lucy Lingam, the vice-chairman of Batu Lintang branch has left it to me to decide. She knows what I am doing.
“And my resignation marks my retirement from politics; let me make it clear that I will not be joining any other political party. So for the last time let me just say, ‘Sa’ati, Sa’ati, Sa’ati!’ ”
Dr Sim was not available for comment.
