KUCHING: United People’s Party (UPP) president, Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh’s plan to retire from politics was not part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between his party and Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP).
“Yes, I plan to retire due to my age. I believe none of us should overstay. It’s about time for me to give way to young leaders,” he said.
The 77-year-old Bawang Assan assemblyman said to retire from politics was not one of the conditions or part of the MoU for his son to contest in the 14th General Election (GE14).
“It’s my wish after being in politics for so many years,” he told reporters when met at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera (PBB) headquarters at Jalan Bako here.
His son, Datuk Andrew Wong Kee Yew, has been named as the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for Sibu in GE14.
Wong also said issues between SUPP and UPP would require a long negotiation process.
“Our focus now is to unite and win in GE14, to increase Chinese representation in BN. We will continue to negotiate on how the two parties can work together after GE14,” he said.
Meanwhile, Andrew Wong, the former Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) deputy chairman said he aims to narrow the gap between urban and rural areas.
He has initiated the Rancangan Sibu 1 (RS1), the five-year development plan for both rural and urban areas.
“We need more development for both rural and urban areas and to create more economic and job opportunities in the digital era.
I want our youth to stay back in Sibu and build their careers and no longer need to travel or migrate to bigger cities. Sibu is the place to live,” said the RS1 Chairman.
When asked about his chances of winning, he said, Sibu has more than 60 per cent of Chinese voters and he believes they are smart enough to judge and vote.
“I don’t have to garner votes with the influence of my dad as I believe the people know and understand what I have done for them and that I have a solid plan for them,” he told reporters after receiving the “surat watikah” (appointment letter) from Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Abang Openg.