Memorandum a big step towards Chinese unity in the state
KUCHING: A memorandum of understanding ( MoU) was inked between Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) and United People’s Party ( UPP) yesterday to achieve greater political representation for the Chinese community in the state.
The five- paragraph MoU was signed by SUPP president Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian and secretary general Datuk Sebastian Ting and UPP president Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh and deputy president Datuk Dr Jerip Susil.
State Barisan Nasional ( BN) chairman and Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg witnessed the signing of MoU at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu ( PBB) headquarters here.
Speaking at a press conference after the MoU signing, Abang Johari indicated that the MoU was the result of what the Chinese community had hoped for.
“As you know, for the last few months, Chinese community leaders have expressed their desire that the two parties, SUPP and UPP, must explore ways and means to unite as one entity in order to represent the interest of the Chinese and also other communities within the spirit of Barisan Nasional and teamwork in order to develop our state.”
Abang Johari said the MoU would also play a pivotal role in consolidating BN Sarawak’s strength to develop the state.
He stressed that it is vital for all Sarawakians to move forward “together in one rhythm”.
“If you are not in one rhythm, then the tune will be affected, people say out of tune. But if you listen to one rhythm, then people will really listen to that particular music, which is in one rhythm. And this is exactly what we are doing today,” Abang Johari said.
He then congratulated both Dr Sim and Wong and their respective teams for setting aside their differences and coming together “to produce that rhythm especially among the Chinese community”.
He expressed confidence that both party presidents would put in extra effort to enable the state to move ahead. He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak whom he met in Kuala Lumpur yesterday morning was already informed of the MoU.
“And I must convey the Prime Minister’s congratulatory word to both of you ( Dr Sim and Wong). I hope that with the framework of this understanding, there will be less politicking but more effort to join and developourstateparticularly towards digital economy,” he added.
Abang Johari pointed out what mattered most is that the state was “getting some inroads in the negotiation to take back the eroded power within MA63”.
“We must be seen very, very strong especially in our participation of our natural resources including oil and gas. If we are divided, our effort is only hot air,” he said.
In this case, he said it was not hot air given that “we really want to get our rights back”. He believed that Sarawak could achieve what it aimed for if its people stay strong and united.