SUPP contradicting self by criticising Mordi’s federal appointment, says DAP man

KUCHING (Dec 23): Sarawak United People’s Party’s (SUPP) criticism of Mordi Bimol’s appointment as a federal deputy minister contradicts the party’s own call for stronger Sarawakian representation at the national level, said a Democratic Action Party (DAP) man.

DAP Green Road deputy secretary Chong Hong Hien said the Mas Gading MP’s appointment not only enhanced Sarawakian participation in federal decision-making, but also represented the inclusion of minority and indigenous communities in national policymaking.

“What is difficult to understand is that when the Prime Minister takes concrete steps to strengthen Sarawakian representation in the federal administration, SUPP chooses to criticise the move simply because its own leaders were not appointed,” he said in a statement.

“Mordi’s appointment is something all Sarawakians should welcome and take pride in.”

Chong noted that with the exception of SUPP, the other three Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) component parties had all welcomed and publicly congratulated Mordi on his appointment.

He described this as reflecting GPS’ broader principle of supporting any move that strengthens Sarawak’s voice in Putrajaya regardless of party affiliation.

“In contrast, SUPP’s reaction to Mordi’s appointment borders on a sour grapes mentality.

“Because it was not part of the appointment, SUPP seeks to undermine and criticise others even when those appointed are fellow Sarawakians,” he said.

Such an attitude, he added, places party interests above the broader interests of the state.

Chong also questioned SUPP’s claim that Sarawak had ‘lost out’ due to the absence of additional GPS ministerial posts in the recent Cabinet reshuffle.

He urged SUPP to “set aside political hostility towards Sarawak DAP” and recognise the wider significance of Mordi’s appointment not just for Sarawak, but also Mas Gading and the state’s indigenous communities.

“The focus should be on strengthening Sarawak as a whole, not narrowing the definition of representation based on party lines,” he said.

Apart from DAP’s Mordi, the Cabinet reshuffle also saw Miri MP Chiew Choon Man of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) named as Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister.

Chong Hong Hien Deputy Minister lead Mordi Bimol Sarawak United People's Party