‘Stop playing with fire’: Tiong slams SUPP for ‘provocative’ appointments

SIBU (Jan 31): Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president Dato Seri Tiong King Sing has again criticised Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), accusing it of deliberately provoking conflict by repeatedly crossing political boundaries in the appointment of community leaders.

In a statement, Tiong said another appointment ceremony in Sibu was scheduled just two days after he had made his party’s position clear on the matter.

“This is no longer a coincidence but an obvious and deliberate provocation,” said Tiong, who is also Bintulu MP and Dudong assemblyman.

He questioned the need for a second ceremony, noting that a similar event had already been held, and said checks with the District and Resident’s offices showed they were acting on instructions from the State Secretary.

“I must say this plainly: whether it is the State Secretary or Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian himself, they should know where the political line is and when to stop.

“Allowing such a provocative decision to continue will only worsen the situation into deeper confrontation,” he said.

Tiong also alleged that appointed longhouse heads were threatened with removal if they failed to attend the Feb 2 ceremony.

“Even threatened that anyone who does not comply will be punished or removed? Is this not an abuse of power? Why use authority to apply pressure and dress up political manoeuvres as administrative decisions?” he asked.

He warned that attendance gained through pressure would not translate into genuine grassroots support, but instead fuel resentment and damage Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).

“I offer this serious warning — stop playing with fire. Politics is not a game, and institutions are not tools to be tested at will. If you insist on pushing ahead, I will not back down,” he said.