The Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP), the oldest in the state, has been warned of “a permanent break-up” in the event that Sibu branch chairperson Wong Soon Koh is expelled.

The branch and its 15 units are prepared to sink or swim with Wong, it said a statement.

NONEFive state assemblypersons aligned to Wong - Ranom Mina (Opar), Dr Jerip Susil (Bengoh), Francis Harden (Simanggang), Johnichal Rayong (Engkilili) and Lee Khim Shim (Senadin) - are also expected to quit the party.

Wong (right) is also the state minister for local government and community development.

The party’s disciplinary committee has issued him a show-cause letter, seeking an explanation as to why he used his ministerial authority to fill the posts of community leaders.

The committee, appointed by president Peter Chin and 118 central committee members, has alleged that Wong had:

- Appointed Frederick Wong the Pemanca of Sarikei;

- Appointed Chan Phan Chan the chairperson of the Sarikei Municipal Council;

- Appointed a Temenggong for Kuching;

- Appointed a penghulu for Kanowit; and

- Encouraged Stephen Wong to contest the Sarikei parliamentary seat while recommending Chan to also stand in the constituency in the 13th general election.

On Sunday, Wong’s faction had met Sarawak Chief Minister and state BN head Abdul Taib Mahmud to brief him on the situation and their next move, should the SUPP expel Wong.

Speculation is rife that they may join Parti Bumi Kenyalang, one of the five new parties in the state.

‘Baseless, unjust charges’

The Sibu branch also said the six charges against Wong are baseless and unjust, since his post in the state cabinet allows him to appoint community leaders.

NONEIts statement noted that Chin (left) and his faction had tried to prevent Wong from taking up his ministerial appointment, and further claimed that they now “want to control his ministry”.

"From feedback, the Chinese (Malaysian) community is fed-up with their (actions). What the party should do is to mend its relationship with the people, not do something that turns them off,” said the branch.

It said the central committee has acted wrongly because the Registrar of Societies is probing alleged party election irregularities in December 2011, when Chin was elected.

Accusing Chin and his faction of trying to bring down leaders and members, it added that “they are destroying the party”.

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