SUPP members cheer in unity during the party’s 67th Anniversary flag raising ceremony.
SIBU (June 5): Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) must remain firmly rooted among the people and continue championing Sarawak’s rights as the state approaches its next election, said SUPP Central Vice President Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee.
As one of Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s (GPS) key component parties, Tiang stressed that SUPP carries a significant responsibility in safeguarding Sarawak’s interests and ensuring that the benefits of development are enjoyed by all Sarawakians.
“The people place high expectations on GPS. They want GPS to continue serving as the protector and defender of Sarawak’s interests while ensuring the state remains stable, prosperous and progressive,” he said during the flag-raising ceremony marking SUPP’s 67th anniversary at the party’s headquarters in Kampung Datu on Thursday.
Tiang, who is also the Pelawan assemblyman, said Sarawak is charting its own development path under the “Sarawak First” principle while continuing to pursue the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and greater autonomy for the state.
Reflecting on the party’s 67-year journey, Tiang said SUPP’s founding leaders established the party on June 4, 1959 with a mission to serve the people and build a better future for Sarawak.
He stressed that despite changes in society and the political landscape over the decades, the party’s core principles must remain unchanged.
“The interests of the people must always come first. We exist to serve the people, manage their affairs, safeguard their interests and protect their well-being,” he said.
Tiang cautioned that any political party that loses touch with the people would eventually lose public support and become irrelevant.
“History has shown time and again that no political party can survive without the support of the people. The people are our source of strength and the foundation of our existence,” he said.
He noted that SUPP today is in a much stronger position than a decade ago, with representatives serving at various levels of government, including ministers, deputy ministers, elected representatives and councillors.
However, he emphasised that positions and resources should be viewed as responsibilities rather than privileges.
“We must continue to be the strongest bridge between the party and the people by conveying the party’s message to the rakyat and bringing the people’s voices back to the party,” he said.
He urged SUPP members to remain united and work together to defend GPS, safeguard Sarawak’s interests and ensure continued progress for future generations.
Among those present were Bukit Assek assemblyman, Joseph Chieng who is also Vice-President of SUPP Central, SUPP Dudong Branch advisor Datuk Dr Soon Choon Teck, SUPP Bawang Assan branch Chairman, Kevin Lau and other party members.
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