KUCHING: Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) president Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian has expressed surprise over Stakan SUPP secretary Sivanesan Sanmugalingam’s departure from the party.
“I was surprised that he resigned because just two or three days ago, he still texted me asking about something else.
“We will look into it and try to find out why, because he has been a member of SUPP for a long time and his mother, Penghulu Lucy Lingam, is still a member of SUPP.”
He said this when met by reporters after a press conference on Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud’s 84th birthday celebration, at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here on Friday (Oct 2).
When asked about candidates for the state election, Dr Sim, who is also Local Government and Housing Minister, said they were constantly looking at the performance of those who were on the ground and on social media.
“I have discussed with the Chief Minister a few times, but again we need to continue to monitor,” he said, adding that the timing of the state election was still not confirmed and it could be next year.
At the same time, he urged all Sarawakians to play their part in curbing the spread of Covid-19.
Earlier, Sivanesan relinquished his position as Stakan SUPP secretary effective Sept 30. He had been a long-serving SUPP member, having joined 27 years ago.
He cited the party leadership’s lack of concern for the branch, which was officially registered in Nov 2017, as one of the reasons for his decision.
He claimed that the branch was sidelined on numerous occasions, in addition to not being given an active role regarding party matters.
Sivanesan’s mother, Penghulu Lucy Lingam, is the vice-chairperson of Batu Lintang SUPP.
