Party must move out to create an impact by working with the people and helping them resolve problems
GATHERING STRENGTH: Dr Chan (centre) leading party leaders in a symbolic summons of unity with the shouts of Sa’ati at Sibu SUPP Branch yesterday. From left are Chin, Wong, and Law.
SIBU: SUPP deputy secretary Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh has called on the party to undertake “thorough restructuring” in order to regain its political might.
Speaking at the statewide tour of the Central Working Committee (CWC) here yesterday, Wong, who is also the party’s Sibu Branch head, said this was necessary to rejuvenate the party to win back the support of the people.
He said the party must move out to create an impact by working with the people and helping them resolve problems.
“We must view this urgently. We must create a new image based on the aspirations and needs of the people. We must rise again.”
The CWC visit to Sibu was the first stop among the major branches in the state after the party suffered heavy losses in the April 16 polls.
It contested in 19 constituencies but lost 13 of them. Out of the six it managed to retain, only two were predominantly Chinese seats and the rest Bumiputera areas.
Meeting the CWC leaders, led by party president Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan, were representatives from the 16 units of Sibu branch and leaders from Mukah, Kanowit, Bintangor, Dalat and Kapit. Absent were representatives from Song, Julau and Sarikei branches.
Wong, who is also Second Finance Minister and Minister of Environment and Public Health, said what he was suggesting was just preliminary, and the party must study it to introduce the measures.
He, however, stressed that it must be done fast.
The restructuring must involve significant improvement in administration, including a complete system that could shape the party’s organisation.
“We must promptly pump in new blood to give the party a young look.”
He also suggested that issues involving transparency, professionalism and democracy must be looked at.
“There must be a way for better communication between the members and the leaders.
There must also be a better and closer relationship among branch leaders and with party members.” Wong also called for the setting up of a SUPP Foundation, but he did not elaborate on this.
He merely said there must be an efficient management of finance for the party.
He also touched on the need to be a people-first party and resolve land lease-related issues.
“Land matter is important because it concerns the livelihood of every citizen. We must work with the people and give the matter priority attention.”
He said education was another area where the people needed help, like in matters pertaining to Chinese education, the setting up of a foundation to help poor students and matters related to entries into universities.
“There is also a need to help Chinese youths to get into the civil service and get loans for them from the federal government to help set up small and medium scale industries, etc.”
Other problems that Wong listed out were those related to security, welfare for the aged and juvenile delinquency.
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