SUPP: Non-native CM possible if Sarawakians back 'outside' parties

Sarawakians have been warned that a non-native state chief minister may be appointed if they back ‘outside' parties such as DAP and PKR in the coming state election.

Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) president Dr Sim Kui Hian drew this conclusion by pointing to the recent nomination of Sabah DAP treasurer Loh Er Eng, who hails from Penang, as a Sabah state assemblyperson by the state chief minister Shafie Apdal.

Many qualified Sabahans could have been chosen but were overlooked in favour of the outsider, Sim was quoted as saying by Malay Mail today.

Under the Sabah state constitution, the governor can appoint six state assemblypersons on the advice of the chief minister.

Sim opined that backing these outside parties can further erode the state's independence and autonomy.

A state assembly “full of PKR and DAP people” would leave Sarawak vulnerable to further exploitation, he said.

“They can amend the state constitution and take more of our rights, like immigration autonomy, because they are now controlling the federal government,” he said.

SUPP was previously a member of the BN coalition. After the 14th general election, it left the coalition to form Gabungan Parti Sarawak with a number of local parties.

It currently has one MP and seven state assemblypersons. 

Sarawak is scheduled to hold its next state election before Sept 7, 2021. - Mkini