Latest news with #SUPP
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
SUPP leader urges deeper appreciation of Sarawak's unique status in Malaysia
Kua Jack Seng KUCHING (July 21): Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Engkilili branch chief Kua Jack Seng has called for a deeper appreciation of Sarawak's unique status in Malaysia, cautioning against narratives that disregard the state's constitutional rights and historical standing within the Federation. Responding to an article titled 'We Are All Malaysians' by Democratic Action Party's (DAP) Wong Lee Ting, Kua said while the message of unity is laudable, it risks downplaying Sarawak's position as a founding partner of Malaysia. 'Let us be very clear — Sarawak did not join Malaysia in 1963. We formed Malaysia together with Malaya, North Borneo (Sabah), and Singapore as equal founding partners under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),' said Kua, who is also a political secretary to the Premier, in a statement. According to him, the safeguards enshrined in MA63, including Sarawak's control over immigration, land, education, language policy, and taxation, are rights and not privileges. 'While we proudly identify as Malaysians, that identity must be built on mutual respect and constitutional equality — not imposed uniformity or historical revisionism,' Kua said. He criticised Wong's call to 'let go of labels' and 'not divide ourselves' as idealistic and potentially harmful if used to dismiss Sarawak's legitimate aspirations. 'Portraying the assertion of a Sarawakian identity as divisive is misleading,' he said. Kua argued that Sarawak's demands are neither excessive nor unreasonable but necessary corrections to long-standing imbalances in the Federation. 'For too long, Sarawak has contributed richly to the national economy, especially through oil and gas, while receiving disproportionately little in return. Our people are rightfully asking — where is the fairness? Where is the respect?' Kua reiterated several key demands, including the full implementation of MA63 with the restored autonomy in education, healthcare, fiscal policy, and natural resources; the reinstatement of one-third parliamentary representation for Sabah and Sarawak as originally agreed; a greater share and control over oil and gas revenues; and the protection of Sarawak's multicultural and multireligious identity. He warned that West Malaysian-style extremism has no place in Sarawak's tolerant society. 'These are essential corrections to decades of centralisation and neglect. If we are truly 'all Malaysians,' then let the spirit of Malaysia be one of equality, not dominance,' he said. Kua emphasised that Sarawakians are not anti-Malaysia but want a Malaysia that respects their rights, history, and identity. 'True unity is not about erasing identities or asking Sarawakians to compromise endlessly. It is about acknowledging past wrongs and committing to fairness and federal balance,' he added. 'Yes, we are all Malaysians. But never forget — we are also Sarawakians. And that really matters to a true Sarawakian.' Kua Jack Seng lead malaysia status
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Yap urges SUPP members to unite under GPS, reject divisive Peninsular politics for Sarawak's future
KUCHING (July 20): Members of the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) must stand united under the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition and reject attempts to import divisive Peninsular-style politics into Sarawak, said Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap Yau Sin. Speaking at the SUPP Kota Sentosa Branch's 17th Anniversary Dinner last night, Yap, who is also the branch chairman, emphasised the importance of political stability and unity as Sarawak navigates crucial developments related to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), autonomy, and the state's share of national revenue and resources. 'Politically, Sarawak is in a very important phase. With increasing discussions on MA63, autonomy, and Sarawak's rightful share of revenue and resources, it is crucial that we stay united under GPS, and that we reject those who are only interested in playing Peninsular-style politics in Sarawak,' he said in his speech. He stressed that SUPP's continued role within GPS is essential to ensuring that Chinese voices in Sarawak remain heard and respected. 'SUPP stands firmly for Sarawak's rights and dignity, and our role in GPS ensures that Chinese voices are not sidelined, but heard, respected, and included.' He reminded party members that it was the people's confidence that brought SUPP and GPS back into leadership in Kota Sentosa three years ago. 'Three years ago, the people of Kota Sentosa entrusted SUPP and Gabungan Parti Sarawak with the responsibility to serve them once again. Since then, we have worked tirelessly — not with loud slogans, but with action on the ground.' Yap highlighted the branch's efforts in addressing longstanding community concerns, including flash flood mitigation, drainage system upgrades, better road connectivity, and street lighting improvements. He also pointed to ongoing support for schools, religious institutions, and local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) through Minor Rural Project (MRP) grants and regular community outreach. 'We have been present — during emergencies, during festive seasons, and during moments of need — not only as politicians, but as neighbours and fellow Sarawakians.' Yap did not mince words in criticising the Democratic Action Party (DAP), which held the Kota Sentosa seat for over a decade before losing it to SUPP in the last state election. 'Let us not forget: DAP's silence on crucial state matters — from judicial appointments to oil and gas rights — shows they are more loyal to their Peninsular bosses than to Sarawakians.' Yap warned against returning to what he described as DAP's 'empty promises and politics of division.' 'Kota Sentosa cannot go backwards. We cannot afford to let DAP return and continue with their empty promises and politics of division.' Looking ahead to the next state election, Yap urged SUPP members to double down on grassroots engagement and strengthen internal machinery. 'As we approach the next state elections, we must remain united — not just in spirit, but in action. The next battle will not be easy, but it is winnable — if we stay united, disciplined, and rooted in service to the people.' He called for more youth participation and vigilance against misinformation. 'Every member of this branch, young and senior, plays a role in defending our hard-won seat. We must continue to strengthen our grassroots machinery, train our new members and engage more youth, and counter misinformation and propaganda with facts and sincerity.' He thanked branch members and reaffirmed his personal commitment to serving the people. 'As your state assemblyman and branch chairman, I thank each and every one of you for your dedication to the party and your service to our community. 'Let us continue to walk together, serve together, and fight together — not just for votes, but for the future of our children and this land we love,' he added. The evening featured the official swearing-in of the new SUPP Kota Sentosa branch committee for the 2025–2027 term. Deputy Premier and SUPP president Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian officiated the event and witnessed the newly appointed committee members take their collective oath of service. For the new term, Yap will continue to serve as chairman of the branch, while Kapitan Wong Ka Chuang has been appointed as deputy chairman. The three vice-chairmen are Kapitan Chai Yong Liang, Kapitan Lee Tho Fung, and Kapitan Voon Boon Min. Lee Tong Kwang has been named secretary, assisted by Philip Liaw Kian Sin and King Sie Ying as assistant secretaries. Yeo Eng Kuang will serve as treasurer, with Tan Kok Chai as assistant treasurer. The Youth Section will be led by William Bong Lip Ken as chairman, while Chung Fong Fui will head the Women's Section.
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Power up Mosjaya hawkers centre without delay, S'wak minister tells MCC, SEB
Lee (third right) joins SUPP members and hawkers in raising the Sarawak flag at Tamu Mosjaya. MIRI (July 18): State Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin has urged Miri City Council (MCC) and Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) to expedite electricity supply to the two reconstructed hawker centers and markets at Mosjaya Commercial Centre. During a working visit today, Lee expressed surprise that the facilities remain without power despite having been completed two months ago and already in use by hawkers. 'It was already completed two months ago, but I found that there is still no electricity supply during my working visit today. 'I call upon the council and Sarawak Energy to connect the power supply without delay as everything is ready,' said the Senadin assemblyman. The two centres were rebuilt by the city council after being damaged in separate fires previously. Lee was accompanied by councillor Jeffery Phang and members of SUPP Riam during his visit. Lee also addressed safety concerns raised by operators, calling on the council to build a ramp to the coffee shop section of Tamu Mosjaya to improve accessibility and patron safety. At the same event, Lee and his team also distributed Sarawak flags to hawkers at both centres, noting increased public awareness of Sarawak Day's significance among Miri folk. 'Except for a few older ones, most replied 'Sarawak Day' when I asked them if they knew what July 22 means,' he said, referring to the upcoming Sarawak Day celebration. 'All the hawkers from different communities are in high spirits when they talk about Sarawak Day, and this shows it is well promoted,' he stressed. Miri serves as the centre for this year's state-level Sarawak Day celebration. The annual commemoration was gazetted by the Sarawak government under the late Chief Minister Tun Pehin Sri Adenan Satem in 2016. Sarawak Day marks July 22, 1963, when the territory was granted self-rule in preparation for joining the Federation of Malaysia on September 16 of the same year. After World War II, Sarawak was briefly administered by the British Military Administration before becoming a Crown Colony in 1946, when it was ceded to the British Government by Charles Vyner Brooke. Lee said this was the first day of self rule by the administration led by Stephen Kalong Ningkan as first Chief Minister, and Sarawakians should take pride in this occasion. He also called upon Mirians to fly Sarawak flags with pride as the city gears up for a three-day celebration starting this Sunday. electricity Lee Kim Shin Mosjaya Commercial Centre
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
SUPP man slams DAP's Violet Yong over 'misleading' remarks on parliamentary seats
Kua says Yong failed to grasp the constitutional, historical, and political foundations underpinning Malaysia's formation, particularly the MA63. KUCHING (July 18): Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier, Kua Jack Seng, has slammed Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong for making what he described as a 'simplistic and misleading' statement on Sarawak's push for greater parliamentary representation. Yong had recently claimed that increasing Sarawak's number of parliamentary seats requires only a constitutional amendment and has nothing to do with state-level representation. In response, Kua said the Democratic Action Party (DAP) lawmaker failed to grasp the constitutional, historical, and political foundations underpinning Malaysia's formation, particularly the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). The Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Engkilili branch chairman said Malaysia is not just governed by technical amendments, but by founding agreements and structural principles. He said MA63 clearly outlines that Sarawak and Sabah should collectively hold one-third of all parliamentary seats. 'This was never meant to be a 'population game', it was a deliberate political safeguard. 'Yong's view, whether due to ignorance or political convenience, ignores the reality that any amendment to Article 46 of the Federal Constitution, especially one that increases the number of seats, fundamentally shifts power dynamics in Parliament. 'Without restoring the original one-third ratio for Sarawak and Sabah, every added seat dilutes our representation and weakens our voice in national policymaking,' he said in a statement today. Kua also rejected the notion that parliamentary and state-level representation are entirely separate. He said while technically distinct, they are part of a broader governance ecosystem balancing federal and regional interests. Any move to increase parliamentary seats must be holistic and guided by constitutional intent – not political expediency, he added. Kua further criticised Yong for failing to defend Sarawak's rights and position within the federation. 'Sarawak deserves better than representatives who echo narratives from Malaya without defending our rightful place in the federation. 'We must insist that any increase in parliamentary seats come with the restoration of Borneo's one-third share, in the spirit of MA63. 'Violet Yong should stop misleading the public. Sarawak is not a passenger in Malaysia – we are a founding partner,' Kua said. dap DUN seats Kua Jack Seng MA63 parliamentary seats SUPP violet yong
Borneo Post
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
‘DUN seat hike no guarantee of Sarawak's one third representation in Parliament'
Wong King Yii KUCHING (July 15): The claim by Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) that an additional 17 new state seats is necessary for Sarawak to achieve a one-third representation in Parliament is legally inaccurate, said Wong King Yii. The Democratic Action Party Socialist Youth (Dapsy) Sarawak treasurer pointed out that the Federal Constitution does not require Sarawak to increase its legislative assembly seats in order to achieve a one-third representation in the Dewan Rakyat. 'Any change to parliamentary representation must be done through a constitutional amendment under Article 46, with a two-thirds majority in Parliament, not by inflating state-level positions,' he said in a statement yesterday. Wong said Sarawak's demand for greater parliamentary representation must be pursued through proper constitutional means. According to him, a delineation exercise of electoral boundaries should always be based on voter parity, geographical accessibility, and administrative fairness, as set out in Schedule 13 of the Federal Constitution. He pointed out that Sarawak has not experienced any significant population growth that would warrant an expansion of constituencies. 'At present, each Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) state lawmaker receives RM9 million in public allocations each year, yet there is no transparency on how these funds are used. 'There has been no public audit, no constituency reports, and no accountability to the people of Sarawak.' Given this, Wong claimed that adding 17 more state seats under this same opaque system would only worsen the situation. 'It risks further abuse of public funds, expands political patronage, and does nothing to improve service delivery to the rakyat. Instead of adding 17 more seats, the government should carry out a proper redelineation of the existing state constituencies. 'Many constituencies remain imbalanced in voter size, with some rural seats having just a few thousand voters, while urban seats carry more than five times that number,' he said. He stressed that fairer electoral boundaries matter more than simply having more politicians. In addition, he said a transparent redelineation process must ensure every vote carries equal weight, improve representation across both rural and urban areas, and restore public trust in the nation's democratic institutions. Wong said Sarawakians deserve a government that values accountability over political expansion and prioritises public service over self-interest. 'The future of our democracy does not depend on how many seats we have but on how responsibly those seats are used,' he added. DAPSY lead new state seats one-third representation Wong King Yii
