KUCHING: Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) has called for stronger reliance on homegrown political parties, stressing local governance autonomy and state-focused policymaking.
The statement reflects ongoing debates about the role of West Malaysian-based parties in Sarawak, particularly in shaping governance, development priorities, and political accountability within the state.
“Sarawak’s affairs rightfully ought to be governed and executed by Sarawak’s homegrown political parties, prioritising the people’s needs above all,” said SUPP Batu Kitang Branch Secretary, Amy Tnay, in a press statement today (Apr 24).
She added that rejecting West Malaysian parties does not mean rejecting opposition, citing Sabah as an example where local opposition parties continue to ensure democratic checks and balances.
According to her, homegrown parties possess deeper roots in Sarawak, making them more attuned to local concerns, aspirations and long-term development priorities for the state.
She argued that such parties naturally place Sarawak’s rights, resources and future direction at the centre of their political considerations and governance decisions.
In contrast, she claimed West Malaysian parties remain structurally tied to leadership and decision-making centres outside Sarawak, limiting their ability to prioritise local interests independently.
“Even with local branches, they ultimately answer to headquarters in the West, making Sarawak secondary rather than central in their political considerations,” she said.
Tnay further alleged that certain external parties have historically obstructed development initiatives and proposed amendments deemed not beneficial to Sarawak’s constitutional position.
She also claimed these parties frequently criticise state-led initiatives, including infrastructure development, economic autonomy measures, and social policies aimed at improving public welfare.
“A party that cannot even stand to see Sarawak progress has no right to lead or oversee Sarawak’s future direction,” she added.
Tnay warned against what she described as the importation of divisive political culture, arguing it could undermine unity and hinder constructive development efforts in the state.
She said such approaches often emphasise confrontation over collaboration, while promoting narratives that may not align with Sarawak’s unique socio-political context and federal position.
“The people must judge political parties not by words, but by actions, especially their track record in defending Sarawak’s rights and supporting its development,” she said.
Tnay concluded that Sarawak’s future should remain firmly in the hands of its people, emphasising the importance of self-determination and locally driven leadership.
