The Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) will remain in the state BN for now, with the Central Working Committee (CWC) opting for ‘consultation’ with the coalition leadership to resolve issues that have upset Central Committee (CC) members.

NONE Party president Peter Chin acknowledged the “strong opinions, views and frustration” among many CC members who have demanded a pullout because they feel the party has been sidelined in business opportunities and the appointment of local representatives.

“We wish to state categorically that there was neither resolution nor decision regarding SUPP’s position in BN. However, it is the duty of the party’s central leadership to take up these matters of concern with the BN leadership urgently,” Chin said after a CWC meeting over the weekend.

“The party reiterates that BN should adhere to the points of understanding signed in 1970 during the formation of Sarawak government, particularly on the principle of consultation at BN level on major issues and matters involving government policy and measures affecting the interests of component parties, and people in the state.”

The four points are:

- A nominee of the Parti Bumiputera shall be the chief minister, a nominee of the Sarawak United People’s Party shall be the first deputy chief minister and one elected member shall be the second deputy chief minister

- Major issues and matters involving the government policy and measures affecting the interests of the state and parties shall be agreed to mutually before a decision can be made

- Appointments of other state ministers and allotment of portfolios shall have the unanimous decision of the signatories

- The pledges made by the parties during the election as far as possible shall be implemented by the state government.

Revel faction’s objections

The threat to pull the SUPP out of BN has sparked strong opposition from members aligned to Wong Soon Koh, a senior minister and chairperson of the Sibu branch.

azlan Wong (left) has asked Chin to explain why the CC had tabled a motion for the party to leave the BN.

He said the CC, whose members were appointed by Chin, had damaged the trust and spirit of cooperation in the state BN and had passed the matter to the CWC for discussion and endorsement.

“What they have done is tantamount to casting a vote of no confidence in the state BN,” Wong said.

“The proposal has caused much concern among many members who are surprised that the CC has made such an extreme decision without consultation with grassroots members and branch leaders.”

The writer, who uses a pseudonym, is based in Sarawak.