The Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) is still a part of the current state government along with Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), party president Dr Sim Kui Hian said in a statement yesterday.

He also said the party will continue to remain with the coalition and lend support to coalition leader Abang Johari Abang Openg, who is also Sarawak chief minister and PBB president.

SUPP only won one parliamentary seat in the 14th general election, echoing its results in the previous general election, with ex-minister for human resources Richard Riot successfully defending Serian.

Sim himself was defeated by DAP's Chong Chieng Jen in Stampin, by a margin of 14,221 votes.

Meanwhile, PBB won 13 seats, PRS three, and PPDP two.

There are a total of 31 parliamentary seats in Sarawak.

Remaining united

“SUPP believes the four local-based parties must remain united in order to continue the common mission to regain Sarawak rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),” Sim said.

He added that SUPP, alongside its coalition partners, will continue to crusade to regain the rights and privileges under MA63 in the interests of the people of Sarawak.

“We will keep up our fight to regain all that was eroded and lost over the years, including legal instruments such as local laws and ordinances and will ensure that the existing laws are respected and duly complied with according to the letter and spirit of the law,” he added.

Sim, who is also the Sarawak Local Government and Housing Minister and Batu Kawah assemblyperson, said SUPP is looking forward to meeting the other three parties to discuss the new way forward and “address weaknesses” in administrating the state government.

“Our hearts and minds are totally with the people and we are fully committed in building a stronger and greater Sarawak,” he said.

On Friday, the chief minister held a supreme council meeting with his own party, PBB, saying the party’s position in the state BN coalition will be determined after consultation with the other three component parties, SUPP, PRS and PDP.   

Abang Johari also hinted on the formation of a “united coalition” of Sarawak-based parties to look after the interests of the people of Sarawak, while being friendly with the new Harapan government.