If our nation is to rebuild opportunity for future generations, it will require our elected leaders to realize that their responsibility lies not with their political party, but rather with the American people that they have been chosen to represent.
– Ami Bera, American physician and politician
TODAY (June 4), the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) branches will be holding flag-raising ceremonies throughout the state.
These flag-raising ceremonies mark an important milestone in SUPP’s history, it is their 60th anniversary.
SUPP has the distinction of being the oldest established political party in Sarawak, having been formed on June 4 1959.
I don’t profess to be an expert on SUPP’s history. However, let me indulge in a few lines of its past and present.
It is generally acknowledged that SUPP was formed during a time of emerging political awareness among some Sarawakians that there was a need for Sarawak’s interest to be promoted, defended and be brought to the forefront.
From the onset of its formation, SUPP was opposed to the idea of the Federation of Malaysia.
It put up a strong fight for Sarawak to achieve independent nation status and had broad support across Sarawak.
However, international realities and political mechanisation intervened to instead lead Sarawak down the path of becoming ‘partners’ in the formation of the Federation of Malaysia via the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Since 1959, its presidents have been the late Tan Sri Ong Kee Hui (1959-1982), the late Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Yong Kuet Sze (1983-1990) and the late Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr Wong Soon Kai (1991-1996).
This was followed by Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam (1997-2011), Tan Sri Peter Chin Fah Kui (2012-2014) and Datuk Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian (2014-present).
From observing that there have been only six presidents over 60 years, it can be seen that overall from the macro perspective, SUPP has been a relatively stable party, although each one of the presidents had faced and had to contain some challenges during their respective terms.
Currently, SUPP has 48 branches with approximately 112,000 members statewide, making it a sustainable and viable political party.
All organisations go through their highs and lows and SUPP has had its fair share of successes and setbacks.
In recent times, the latest turmoil can be traced back to factional infighting that began in 2011 with roots going back to other issues.
Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh, who was the SUPP deputy secretary-general and his faction, boycotted the 2011 party elections, and Peter Chin took the helm of the party.
During this time, various complains lacking substance were made against SUPP which almost led to its deregistration by the Registrar of Societies.
It was indeed fortunate that in 2014, Pehin Sri Adenan Satem became the chief minister and stepped in to resolve the issue leading to the removal of the threat of deregistration.
In the meantime, in 2014, while the drama of deregistration was going on, the faction split from SUPP and formed itself as United People’s Party in 2014 led by Soon Koh.
As chief minister, Adenan allowed SUPP leaders and members to pursue building the party up and focus on policies.
With hindsight, some have opined that the split was a cleansing opportunity for the party to move on.
Subsequently, in the 2016 Sarawak election SUPP, under the leadership of party president Dr Sim won seven seats out of 15 seats contested. Under the circumstances, this was considered to be a good result.
The outcome helped to invigorate SUPP and focus was re-established, although the GE14 outcome in the urban seats resulted in no wins. The sole SUPP parliamentary seat was won by Datuk Seri Richard Riot in Serian.
So, what next for SUPP?
Changing times bring forth different challenges.
While it is always good to know the history of an organisation, it is also prudent to project forward and evaluate the changing scenarios.
Evolving with the times is essential and with the ever-changing demographics, SUPP has to adapt to upcoming realities.
If an organisation clings too strongly to its past, the danger is that the past can sometimes reclaim an organisation and make it a footnote in history.
It is good to note that there have been many positive changes in SUPP, including leadership and strategies.
The Youth and Women sections have been particularly active and have taken the lead on many issues.
The party, having been at the forefront of Sarawak rights and autonomy since its inception, deserves due recognition as a champion and flag bearer of Sarawak’s ongoing fight for autonomy.
I am sure if matters were looked upon objectively, many would have to admit the good efforts of SUPP on ‘Sarawak First’ matters.
A lot of improvements over the years on championing social and educational issues can be attributed to SUPP.
Although there have been diversions along the way, there have been course corrections and SUPP has maintained the right direction for Sarawak’s interest to be put first.
The formation of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is also a game changer in Sarawak.
SUPP’s alliance with Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) under the GPS umbrella is a rational move.
However, this participation will only be effective and show results if all four support each other without succumbing to other agendas.
There are of course many more challenges ahead for SUPP that need to be addressed.
Therefore, it is timely that the secretary-general Datuk Sebastian Ting has recently called on party members to unite and give their full support to Dr Sim to continue the legacy of the founding fathers of SUPP.
Happy 60th anniversary SUPP!
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the New Sarawak Tribune.
