KUCHING, Oct 19 — Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) president Datuk Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian today said the party will leave it to Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg to pick its candidates for the 15th general election (GE15).
He said he does not know who will be picked since there are 'too many aspirants' who want to contest under a GPS ticket.
“As far as I am concerned, my main worry is that in a situation like that the biggest enemy will come from within,” he told reporters after officiating the state-level World Counselling Day at the SUPP headquarters here.
He said SUPP’s candidates need to be endorsed by the GPS chairman as he is the only one who has the authority to issue Surat Watikah to anyone contesting on GPS ticket.
“The rest of us do not have that kind of authority to issue the Surat Watikah,” he said.
Dr Sim, who is also the deputy premier and minister of Public Health, Local Government and Housing, said all seats to be contested by SUPP are considered “hot seats”.
“If you go to Miri, it is a hot seat and so is Sibu,” he added.
Under the allocation of seats with other GPS component parties, SUPP will field candidates in Bandar Kuching, Stampin, Sarikei, Lanang, Sibu and Miri.
Dr Sim said GE15 is extraordinary for Sarawak as for the first time since Malaysia was formed 59 years ago, it has given the opportunity for GPS to contest on its own, using its own logo and coming up with its own manifesto.
He also said no political party or coalition in the country can claim dominance over the others in this election.
Dr Sim said as such, GPS leaders will not tie an alliance with any national party or coalition before polling day.
“However, we will discuss with them on the night of the election when all the results have been declared,” he said.
Dr Sim urged Sarawakian voters to ensure that GPS wins all 31 seats up for grabs for the sake of the country’s political stability.
“It is so important for GPS to win big so that we can help to form a stable (federal) government. Otherwise, after the election, we might still see the same situation like having three prime ministers within five years.
“Malaysia cannot afford that anymore,” he said.
