KUCHING: Serving assemblymen are not likely to be put forward by the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) to contest the 15th General Election which is widely expected to be held this year.
Party president Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian said potential candidates have already been nominated by its branches and liaison committees formed to discuss and finalise candidates.
“In the next few weeks we can announce it and introduce them to the public but then it depends whether the election is in July,” he said to reporters during the 63rd SUPP anniversary celebration here on Saturday.
Dr Sim, who is Deputy Premier, said in all probability, its unlikely for the party to choose serving state assemblyman as parliamentary candidates for GE15.
“We try to spread out the responsibility, the opportunity to as many people as possible, it’s not easy to hold two positions at one time, as an assemblyman and as a member of parliament.
“This is because the parliament sits for four months a year, you need to be in Kuala Lumpur for four months a year, and then at the same time if you are an Adun (assemblyman), you have meetings here,” he said.
“We are not short of potential candidates who willing to serve and contribute, let’s share our responsibility, our job,” he added.
On the liaison committee, Dr Sim revealed that he headed the Bandar Kuching liaison committee, while the Stampin committee is led by Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang, Bandar Sibu committee by Pelawan assemblyman Michael Tiang, Sarikei committee by Repok assemblyman Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii, Miri committee by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin (Senadin assemblyman) and Lanang committee by Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng.
“We will try our best, coming together (and) putting (forward) the best candidates for GE15 so that we can quickly move on the ground,” he said.
Dr Sim said given the current state of politics in West Malaysia, GE15 is expected to be held this year.
“Sarawak just has to get ready because Sarawak’s future and rights under MA63 depend on the GE15 outcome,” he said, adding, “therefore, all party members are urged to maintain the momentum to achieve our goals.”
Previously, Dr Sim said SUPP is ready to contest and win seven parliamentary seats namely Stampin, Bandar Kuching, Serian, Sarikei, Sibu, Lanang and Miri.
