Datuk Matthew Chen: BN must stand united

suppadmin | August 16, 2015

Sarawak United Peoples’ Party – Media Release by Datuk Matthew Chen Thin Kong – SUPP Organising Secretary

“SUPP emphasises that BN must Stand as One”

Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) reiterates that all Barisan National (BN) component parties should focus on harmony and unity. Straying from the BN concept “One for All and All for One” will enable the opposition to drive a wedge and cause damage to the BN Alliance and even cause it to breakup.

Article 5 (4) of The BN Constitution clearly states as one of its objectives “To promote closer relationship between the Member Parties” and Article 23.3 (3) further states that “The functions, power and responsibilities of the State Co-ordinating Committee shall be as follows “To maintain and foster close relationship and solidarity between Member Parties in the State”

All leaders in the BN fold must adhere to the constitution and the spirit for which the BN Alliance stand for. Any weak link in the chain or any inconsiderate decision can cause considerable chaos within the BN family right down to the grassroots level.

SUPP places strong emphasis on the point that every BN component party must be treated justly. In addition to this, fair play must be accorded to each BN party and they have the right to speak in this BN family regardless of the party’s size and seats. The opinions of each BN party have to be considered with unity in mind.

Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) President Dato’ Seri Tiong King Sing has voiced out openly that he is dissatisfied that BN intends to select two candidates from the non BN party TERAS to stand in SPDP allocated seats. SUPP fully supports the stance of Dato’ Seri Tiong and agreed with his remarks that reflects the current dissatisfaction and internal problems within Sarawak BN.

PRS President Tan Sri James Masing has also recently urged the four Sarawak BN component parties to practice the “Merger of Minds” ideology to face the next general election. He stated that if one of the member parties’ interest is negatively affected, it will have tremendous impact the whole BN system.

SUPP totally disagrees and rejects the announcement of candidates’ names without concern and regard to the respective BN component parties that have been allocated the particular seat. If the selection criteria is not practiced in accordance with BN unity in mind these actions will seriously affect BN morale and coordination within the country.

SUPP has stressed many times that BN should continue its past practices and principles in relation to allocation of seats to BN only parties and that non BN parties have no right to represent Barisan National.

We also restate that non BN parties must not stand under the BN flag or on behalf of BN at the next state election, otherwise it will lead to the self-destruction of BN’s long established set of principles and ideology. It will certainly cause a huge backlash and trigger vast discontent amongst the BN component party members.

Politics have always brings with it “ups and downs”, and no political party will always remain strong or remain weak forever. Each BN component party has had its share of internal problems and the component parties have provided support during such times.

One such example was in 1987 when a component party in Sarawak BN faced internal divisions and with SUPP’s help, stability was restored. This part of history must not be forgotten and therefore due support should be reciprocated as part of the philosophy of loyalty to Barisan National.

SUPP makes a clear stand that consultation and due respect must be practised and given to each BN component party when it come to the selection of BN candidates.