By Mohd Abdullah Lee
KUCHING, June 4 2026: Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) president Dr Sim Kui Hian expressed his grateful to past and present members for their contribution for the survival of the party since 1959.
He said the party has continued to survive since 67 years ago while other parties, which were formed later, have disappeared into history.
“Because of the struggle of the past and present members, our party is still alive until today.
“Since 67 years ago, our party has seen ups and downs. This is normal. But the party has remained strong and in the mainstream of Sarawak’s politics due to our various policies and efforts,” he said at the 67th flag-raising ceremony at the party headquarters this morning.
Dr Sim, who is also 6h president of SUPP, said the party has contributed to the well-being, prosperity and security of Sarawak.
He said one of the contributions of SUPP in terms of security is the signing of the Sri Aman Peace Agreement that led to the mass surrender of communists.
He added another contribution is the recognition accorded to the Unified Examination Certificate by the state government.
Dr Sim also said it was SUPP’s suggestion that all Sarawakian students studying at state-owned higher institutions under the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) be given a monthly allowance of RM1,250, regardless of their social and financial status.
He also described the special relationship between SUPP and PBB as inseparable since the formation of the coalition in 1970.
“When PBB was in trouble, we helped them. When we were in trouble, they helped us,” he said, when referring to internal crisis faced by PBB in 1987 and when SUPP was having leadership crisis some 10 years ago.
He said there was no doubt there existed “small quarrel” between the two parties, but it did not prevent them from helping each other in time of crisis.
He said the special relationship between SUPP and PBB is not a “fake marriage” but a genuine ties between two friends.
Dr Sim said the trusted relationship between SUPP and PBB has led to prosperity and political stability in the state, adding that PBB has provided stable leadership in Sarawak.
He also took a swipe at political parties and politicians in Malaya for their endless quarrels that have led to political instability in Malaya.
“Everyday, they are fighting, politicking, they are divisive, spitting out toxic politics,” he said.
“In politics, we should talk about positive values, teach people to do the right things, not engage in negative politics, don’t teach people to become racist,” he said.
Later Dr Sim launched a book entiled “Forging Ahead for 66 Years” written by veteran journalist KC Jong.
The book chronicles the history of SUPP since 1959, the roles played by the past leaders and during the emergency period in the 1960s and 1970s.
Jong, when asked, said it took him four months to collect and collate materials for the book.
He added efforts would be made to translate the book in English.
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