Embattled Sarawak United People's Party (Supp) president Dr George Chan is not in either of the three new 'task force committees' set up to rejuvenate the party under its 'forward plan'.

The plan was initiated two weeks ago to reinvent the party which suffered a dismal showing during the state elections in May. Chan was later blamed for losing several urban seats to opposition DAP.

Chan's absence on the three new committees have been viewed by observers as a move to quell growing criticism over his leadership of late, led by deputy party president Law Hieng Deng.

Law has criticised Chan for sitting on another committee dubbed the 'Forward Team', which oversees the forward plan.

He said that it would be better for party secretary-general Wong Soon Koh to take helm of the forward team.

Delegates conference

Wong is presently deputy chair of the forward team, and is seen as the man poised to take over from Chan as party president.

The forward team comprise of the 26-member Central Working Committee (CWC). The three 'task force committees' within the team will look into land, education and party rejuvenation matters.

The formation of the committees was in preparation for the party's special delegates conference to be held on Dec 10.

Among issues up for debate is the party's performance during the state elections, land and Chinese education issues.