The dismal performance of the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) in the state election last Saturday, should inject a new spirit into its leaders and members for the party to rise again.

Its secretary-general David Teng described the defeat as the worst in the party's history.

"Nevertheless, I believe this defeat provides the best chance for SUPP's revival, for it to be stronger and continue to be relevant.

"It will inject a new spirit into party leaders and members for them to be more aggressive in planning strategies and transforming the party," he told reporters in Kuching today.

Earlier, he attended the party's Central Working Committee meeting which was chaired by its president George Chan.

Teng said the CWC would effect drastic changes at all levels of the party within the next three months to strengthen SUPP.

"Among the drastic measures to be taken is to not nominate leaders who have served for a long time and who are old," he added.

Teng said several leaders in the party had expressed their intention to withdraw from politics to give way to younger blood.

However, he declined to reveal their names.

SUPP, which contested in 19 seats in the state election, was only able to retain six seats.

- Bernama