Rayong irked at Sih over claim UPP leaders quit SUPP on their own
We were indeed sacked by SUPP after having received the letters of sacking signed by Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian. But based on what Sih Hua Tong said, it is as though we left SUPP. So I hope that Sih Hua Tong can explain what he meant by what he said. Or perhaps Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian can explain himself. Dr Johnichal Rayong Ngipa, UPP Youth chief
KUCHING: The statement by Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) deputy secretary-general Sih Hua Tong implying that leaders of United People’s Party (UPP) quit SUPP rather than being sacked did not go down well with UPP Youth chief Dr Johnichal Rayong Ngipa.
Rayong, who is Engkilili assemblyman, now demands that Sih explain why he asked the question ‘Were they sacked?’ which clearly implied that UPP leaders walked out on SUPP.
He said it was a calculated statement to demonise UPP leaders.
He pointed out that letters issued by SUPP to sack the leaders, who had no choice but to set up their own political party UPP, were signed by SUPP president Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, who was SUPP secretary-general at that time.
“We were indeed sacked by SUPP after having received the letters of sacking signed by Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian. But based on what Sih Hua Tong said, it is as though we left SUPP. So I hope that Sih Hua Tong can explain what he meant by what he said. Or perhaps Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian can explain himself,” said Rayong.
Prior to Sih’s recent comment, no SUPP leader had denied having issued the letters to sack then-SUPP Sibu branch chairman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh and the others.
Rayong said he believed that Sih was trying to create some sort of confusion among the community.
He then suggested that Sih approach Dr Sim to dig out the sacking letters SUPP issued in 2014 and show them to everyone.
“It is the best way to show and tell whether what we said is the truth, or that SUPP is trying to mess with the truth. Alternatively, we can and are able to show them the letters of sacking they slapped us with. If SUPP is serious about the Chief Minister’s call for reconciliation of the two parties, why isn’t SUPP coming up with a realistic formula and real action?
“And why did Sih Hua Tong say some comments which would do nothing good to bring the two teams together?” he asked.
Rayong said he had previously made it clear that they were sacked by SUPP and that SUPP should be heeding the recent advice of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“But then again, if SUPP is to heed Chief Minister’s advice, will SUPP recall the letters of sacking?” he asked.