SUPP aims to reclaim Padungan, criticises DAP’s stagnation

KUCHING: Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Kuching Branch chairwoman Datuk Lily Yong has expressed her desire to see the Padungan constituency return to SUPP.

She criticised the opposition Democratic Action Party (DAP) for the constituency’s stagnation over the past two decades.

“This place (Padungan) has been under the opposition for almost 20 years, with Chong Chieng Jen (DAP Sarawak chairman) as the parliamentary and state representative.

“Where are you? Don’t tell me your job is just delivering speeches at press conferences instead of during the State Legislative Assembly,” she said.

“This matter is of utmost importance to us. We want to reclaim Padungan, to restore its past glory as a vibrant and economically thriving city,” she said.

She made these remarks at the branch’s 65th anniversary celebration, officiated by party president and Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian at their office in Jalan Sungai Padungan last night (June 29).

Yong also highlighted the development differences between the Padungan constituency and Batu Kawah, attributing the latter’s progress to its assemblyman Dr Sim, while Padungan has seen little to no improvement under the opposition.

She further stressed the need for the SUPP Kuching Branch to request the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government to seriously consider providing development funding for Padungan if the Sarawak government considers the Padungan constituency under the SUPP Kuching branch as important and relevant.

“I think they have to help us. Otherwise, it will be very difficult for us to move forward with our work,” she added.

Meanwhile, Yong urged party members to serve the party and Sarawakians sincerely, not to join the party as an ‘investment’ for personal gain.

She emphasised that the party seeks only individuals who are sincere in their actions to serve the people of Kuching and Sarawak as a whole.

“We must eradicate unhealthy practices within the party. We will not welcome those with personal interests, those not performing, and those who only focus on self-promotion. If you want to join the party to find opportunities, we do not welcome,” she said.

She also encouraged members to speak the truth and offer constructive criticism.

“I hope everyone can speak the truth, as only truthfulness will allow us to go further. Flattery will mislead leaders; only by speaking the truth can we progress healthily,” she added.