Tiong lauds Najib’s support for SUPP, augurs well for SPDP

The assurance by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak that Barisan Nasional ( BN) will stick with Sarawak United People’s Party ( SUPP) through thick and thin is proof of his commitment to uphold the unity among component parties among the ruling coalition.

Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party ( SPDP) president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said in a statement released yesterday, Najib proved his mettle as a leader by standing firmly behind a BN component party in time of crisis and quashing attempts by newly formed parties to force their way into the coalition.

Tiong noted that Najib did not make up his mind only at the SUPP 23rd Triennial Delegates Conference last Monday but had always supported SUPP as he said he never wanted the party to be deregistered when it was embroiled in its internal crisis.

“It is significant to note that the prime minister stressed that nobody is bigger than the party which shows he does not support the ambitions and interest of individuals who are willing to go against the principle upon which Barisan Nasional was formed in the pursuit of their personal interests,” Tiong said.

Tiong added that Najib’s stand augured well for SPDP as his party was facing a similar situation as SUPP with former leaders forming their own party and threatening to take over its place in BN.

“Now that Datuk Seri Najib has clearly stated his support for existing BN component parties, SPDP can rest assured of its position in the coalition.

“We will repay our prime minister’s trust to work harder to serve the people and help Barisan Nasional win a bigger majority in the next election.”

He disclosed that since the group of former leaders left SPDP to form Parti Tenaga Rakyat Sarawak (Teras), the membership of SPDP had increased steadily throughout the state.

“This is reflected by the large number of supporters turning up at our unity functions and the number of new members joining our party.”

Tiong said that this proved that discord and disunity weakened the party and prevented it from functioning properly.

The same situation would also affect BN adversely and weaken the coalition therefore BN component parties should take heed of the prime minister’s stand to move forward together and not let the emergence of splinter parties from SPDP and SUPP affect their unity, Tiong said.