Stakan branch proof of people’s support — SUPP
KUCHING: SUPP said the formation of its Stakan branch on Dec 9, with multi-racial supporters as its members, is proof that the state’s oldest party has the people’s support and is still relevant to the state’s political scene.
SUPP also said it was making good its promise of infusing new vigour into the party by introducing younger and more vibrant members, adding more new branches were in the pipeline to cater for these younger members and to increase the party’s membership.
Businessman Sim Kiang Chiok was elected as SUPP Stakan branch first chairman. His deputy is party stalwart and veteran Koh Jik Seng, who was a close aide to the late Tan Sri Stephen Yong, the former president and founder member of SUPP.
Stephen Kalimuthu, Dr Roger Chen, Pung Siok Eng and Goh Ah Seng are the vice chairmen. Branch secretary is Sivanesan Sanmugalingam while Tan Phuey Huea, Pong Ping Wan and Ratino Poli are assistant secretaries. Charted accountant Wong Joo Hua was elected treasurer and he would be assisted by Chan Chai Ying.
The election was followed by a dinner attended by approximately 200 supporters. The election was conducted by SUPP Central organising secretary Datuk Matthew Chen who was assisted by deputy secretary general Sih Hua Tong, SUPP Women chief Datin Jennifer Chee and SUPP Central executive secretary Tionia Kon.
Earlier, SUPP Stakan branch pro-tem chairman Datuk Sim Swee Yong gave some suggestions on the direction the branch should take. He thanked the party leadership for trusting him with the task of forming the branch and said he declined nomination because he wanted to spend more time with his family.
In his inauguration speech, Kiang Chiok thanked SUPP Stakan branch members for electing him as the first chairman of the branch, and pledged to do his best to fulfil the aspirations of the people and party.
“I was a member of SUPP Kuching branch before this and there I was assigned the responsibility to be the candidate for the Padungan seat in 2011. Ever since I was thrust into the frontline of politics back then in 2011 until now where I am responsible for the growth and wellbeing of SUPP Stakan branch, I have never wavered in my effort to serve the people.”