SIBU: The Sarawak State Election which is expected to be held in the near future is considered an important arena to determine the direction of development, political stability and future of the state for the coming years.
Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee said that the people of Sarawak now place high hopes on Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) to continue as the main voice in defending the interests of Sarawak’s rights, in addition to ensuring that the development agenda progresses sustainably.
He said, “As one of the main pillars in GPS, Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) has a great responsibility to ensure that Sarawak’s rights continue to be preserved and that the benefits of development can be felt by all levels of society.”
“The upcoming election is not just a political competition to win seats, but rather is a determinant of Sarawak’s future. It involves efforts to defend the state’s rights, ensure that the stability enjoyed today continues into the future and guarantees the well-being of future generations,” he said at the SUPP’s flag-raising ceremony in conjunction with the party’s 67th anniversary held at the compound of SUPP headquarters here yesterday (June 4).
Tiang, who is also Pelawan assemblyman urged party members to strengthen ties with the people and continue to play an active role in fighting for Sarawak’s rights to ensure that the people’s mandate remain with GPS.
He said that Sarawak is now on a solid track to determine its own development path through the ‘Sarawak First’ approach, in addition to continuing to fight for the rights enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
He said that this struggle requires strong and continuous political support so that Sarawak has a stronger position in determining its own development policies and direction.
On SUPP’s journey since its establishment on June 4, 1959, he said “Our priority is always the people. A political party will only remain relevant when it always listens to the people, understands their needs and helps solve the problems faced.
He also described SUPP’s position as increasingly strong with the involvement of party representatives at various levels of government administration, including as ministers, deputy ministers, elected representatives and local councillors.
However, he reminded that every position held is a trust of the people that must be used to serve and not as a privilege.
Meanwhile, Tiang called on all party members to intensify efforts to reach out to the grassroots community by listening to the people’s grievances and becoming an effective liaison between the government and the community.
He also urged the entire SUPP machinery and members to continue to unite in defending the GPS and ensure that Sarawak’s development and progress agenda can be continued for the benefit of the people and future generations.
Among those present were Bukit Assek assemblyman, Jospeh Chieng Jin Ek; SUPP Youth Chief, Cr Kevin Lau Kor Jie; and SUPP Dudong Branch Advisor and Datuk Dr Soon Choon Teck.
