Supp stalwart Peter Chin has urged the two groups keen to set up the party's Dudong branch to uphold party unity above any other interests.

He said that Supp members should not get themselves involved too much in internal squabbles as this would only give added leverage to their political opponents.

"If we got too much involved, it would only benefit the opposition," Bernama quoted him as saying in Miri when asked to comment on the present party development in Sibu where two pro tem committees were formed for the Dudong branch.

One pro tem committee of the Dudong branch set up is headed by Lanang MP Tiong Thai King with the approval of the Sibu branch which is led by state minister and party deputy secretary-general Wong Soon Koh

The other pro tem committee was set up by Dudong state assemblyperson Dr Soon Choon Teck and has the support of party president and Deputy Chief Minister Dr George Chan.

Should love Supp

Chin, who is also the Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister and the party's sole full minister in the federal cabinet, said SUPP should be loved by all members which ought to be reflected by their discipline at all ranks.

"I hope that they can look for a good solution to this problem. To have two pro tem committees for one branch is not good," he added.

Chin who is also the MP for Miri said that he was happy the party leaders and members in his constituency were not embroiled in such a situation as unity would hold them in good stead when facing the upcoming general election.

Speculations are rife that the next general election will be held within the next 12 months.