KUCHING, Feb 22 — Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg has said there is a good chance for members of the Barisan Nasional-friendly United People's Party (UPP) to rejoin Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) before the 14th general election.

He based his confidence on the response by SUPP president Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian and UPP president Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh to suggestions from the Chinese community leaders.

Among those who made the suggestions for UPP members to rejoin SUPP were the Federation of the Chinese Associations of Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Divisions president Datuk Richard Wee.

"I agree with Richard's suggestion,” Abang Johari said at the federation's Chinese New Year's dinner here last night, noting that both Dr Sim and Wong had happily clapped their hands as a sign of welcoming the suggestion.

Both Dr Sim, the state Minister of Local Government and Housing, and Wong, the state Minister of International Trade and e-Commerce, were among those attended the dinner.

At the recent Triennial Delegate Convention of Parti Pesaka Bumiputra Bersatu (PBB), Abang Johari had also called on Wong and his supporters to rejoin SUPP.

Dr Sim had repeatedly called on all former members, including those from UPP, to rejoin and strengthen SUPP.

UPP was formed by Wong and his supporters after leaving SUPP in 2014 following a prolong leadership tussle.

Wee, in his speech earlier, said that the Chinese Community is feeling the strain of the political division between the two Chinese-based parties since the last state election.

He said that the division has weakened the position of the Chinese participation in the state government.

He said SUPP, being the oldest political party in Sarawak, has its illustrious past and its historical value.

"Hence for UPP to return to the fold of SUPP will definitely strengthen the base and its representation and with the united SUPP, they will be able to be a more effective member in our state government and state Barisan Nasional,” Wee said.

He added that it is also imperative that UPP’s return to SUPP is welcomed wholeheartedly by the leadership of SUPP and its members.