Sarawak State Election: See Chee How says his decision to join SUPP was made after careful and serious consideration

KUCHING, Oct 28 2026: Former Batu Lintang State Legislative Member (SLM) See Chee How said his decision to join Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) was made after "careful and serious"  consideration.

Caption: Former Batu Lintang State Legislative Member See Chee How believes that joining SUPP and working within GPS will provide him with an opportunity to contribute more directly and effectively to the advancement of the shared objectives.

He submitted his application to join SUPP. a component of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) on Oct 22, a day after the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly (SLA) on Oct 21.

His decision to join SUPP is not a surprise since he has been seen around with SUPP leaders, including its president Dr Sim Kui Hian, in public and party functions.

When reporters asked him if he had joined SUPP, he replied that he had not since the State Constitution did not allow any SLM from jumping to any party. Or else, he would have to resign as SLM for Batu Lintang.

With the state election coming, he is a hot favourite to be nominated as SUPP-GPS candidate in Batu Lintang.

See, who first won in Batu Lintang 16 years ago on PKR's ticket, in a lengthy press statement, said he makes the decision to join SUPP with a "full appreciation of my political past, a firm understanding of the principles that brought me into public service, and an unwavering commitment to the cause that has guided me throughout these years: the protection and advancement of Sarawak's constitutional rights, privileges and interests, and the pursuit of a better future for all Sarawakians."

During his time with PKR, he said he consistently maintained that Sarawak's distinct political circumstances, history and constitutional position required greater autonomy in political decision-making.

"I advocated greater autonomy for Sarawak PKR so that the party could better reflect the aspirations, interests and realities of Sarawakians, rather than remain dependent upon decisions made by its national leadership.

"That position ultimately brought me into conflict with the national leadership, and I was removed from the party a few months before the end of the State Legislative Assembly's term, around the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"It was a difficult period, but it did not diminish my conviction," he said.

He said he subsequently contested under the banner of Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB), a Sarawak-based political party whose stated aspirations for Sarawak resonated with his own.

"However, as time went on, I became increasingly concerned about whether the party's direction and practical approach remained aligned with the objectives I had hoped it would pursue.

"I, therefore,  made the decision to leave the party and continue my service as an Independent Member of the State Legislative Assembly," he stressed.

He noted that over the years, Sarawak's political landscape has undergone significant changes.

"Under the leadership of the late Adenan Satem and subsequently Premier  Abang Johari Openg, Sarawak's political leadership has pursued an increasingly distinct state-based political direction.

"This direction culminated in the establishment of Gabungan Parti Sarawak following the withdrawal of the former Sarawak Barisan Nasional component parties from the national coalition.

"What particularly caught my attention was the emphasis on Sarawak's constitutional rights, interests and aspirations, and the determination to pursue them through Sarawak's own political institutions.

"These were matters I had been advocating long before I considered joining GPS," he said.

He said he believes that joining SUPP and working within GPS will provide him with an opportunity to contribute more directly and effectively to the advancement of the shared objectives.

He stressed that joining SUPP and GPS does not diminish his commitment to the fundamental issues that have defined his political journey.

"The constitutional rights, privileges and interests of Sarawak under the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 must continue to receive serious and sustained attention.

"The relationship between Sarawak and the federal government must be pursued on the basis of constitutional provisions, historical commitments, mutual respect and the legitimate interests of our people," See said.

He said he believes that Sarawak must continue to strengthen its capacity to determine its own development priorities, manage its resources responsibly, and build institutions capable of serving the long-term interests of Sarawakians.

"We must also consider the opportunities, security and prosperity that we wish to leave to our children and grandchildren.

"We must be as courageous in safeguarding Sarawak's future as we are ambitious in building it," he added.