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Even China supporting SUPP's win, says party chief Sim

S'WAK POLLS The Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) is flaunting incumbent Chief Minister Adenan Satem’s close relations with China in a bid to win votes from the Chinese Malaysian community.

In a rally near Kuching City Mall last night, SUPP president Sim Kui Hian told the audience of over 2,500 that the Chinese embassy has even contributed funds for schools in Batu Kawah, Kuching due to good relations.

“This morning, the Chinese embassy supported Adenan and my fight for Chinese-language education. For the first time ever, they donated RM60,000 for schools in Batu Kawah.

“Even the Chinese government is supporting us! This proves that even the Chinese government is supporting Sim Kui Hian.

"Can we Chinese not support (him)? Can we let China down?” Sim said, referring to himself in the third-person throughout his speech.

Batu Kawah is an urban seat of 16,892 voters, about 60 percent of whom are ethnic Chinese.

The event last night ran from 8pm until 11pm.

Lure of gov't representation

In his speech, Sim said Adenan wants Chinese representation in the state government to "bang tables" for the community in the state cabinet meetings.

If the opposition were to have its way, he said, the Chinese community would be left out of the state government.

“No one can hear you bang tables outside,” he said in his speech made in Adenan’s presence.

Speaking to reporters later, Sim elaborated that it would be "extremely unhealthy" if all Chinese are in the opposition camp.

“It’s a matter of people needing to choose whether in this election they want to have the issues, the basic infrastructure, the street lights, the drains, the roads, fixed or not.

"That is what the local people are concerned about.

“But in a bigger picture, it's whether the Chinese want to be represented, choose to be represented or not. Or choose to be in the opposition. Because it is extremely unhealthy if all the Chinese are in the opposition.

“Even (when it comes to) checks and balance, you don't (just) check and balance on the outside.

"You want check and balance also inside the government. Otherwise, it's not a healthy sign and it cannot represent Sarawak well,” he said.

Youth attendees paid RM20

Sim dodged questions on whether he is confident SUPP can score a major victory on polling day May 7, in view of the Adenan’s condition that there would be an ethnic Chinese deputy chief minister only if SUPP wins.

He said the post is unimportant, as long as there is someone in the government who dares to speak up for the people.

“That's the most important, because you want to affect the policies, you want to change the policies.

“You don't want to just talk about it outside and yet you have no influence over the policies,” he said.

Meanwhile, a survey by Malaysiakini found that youths attending the programme had been paid RM20.

One supporter Khadija Junaidi from Batu Kawah said she was given a BN badge, drinking water, a whistle, and clothes, in addition to the payment.

“I came with many others, perhaps about 30 people. I came with my own transport, and on arrival, I was given water, a BN badge, and whistle.

“They are giving RM20 as well. I haven’t received it, perhaps tomorrow,” said the 20-year-old woman.

To a question on whether her parents allowed her to attend the function, she curtly replied that her mother told her to support BN.

Meanwhile, a supporter who identified herself only as Fitri, 17, said he is to receive clothing, a wristband, and RM30 in cash.

He said he came by motorcycle and has yet to receive the money.

“I came to give support. They provide a shirt, cloth, wristband, and RM30.

“Previously they gave RM25 in Batu Imat. Later when I go back to the village, I will receive it,” he said.

'Meal allowance, not bribe'

Meanwhile, organising committee member Hamidah Ramli dismissed suggestions that the money was a bribe for enticing supporters to come and support Sim.

Instead, she said the money was food allowance for the supporters, in view of the fact that many of them would have yet to eat.

“Yeah, it is food money, not bribe for us to come. Whoever wants to come can come. We don’t force anyone.

“It is not bribery. Whoever says it is bribery, it’s bullshit. If you want development, there is no need for bribes,” she said.

When asked why supporters who are not old enough to vote are brought to the function, Hamidah replied, “They are our successors. It is so they know who is Sim,” she said.

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