Chan blames ‘unjust policies’ for his shock defeat

(The Star) – MIRI: Defeated SUPP president Tan Sri Dr George Chan has blamed the state and Federal government’s failure to listen to the rakyat’s grouses as the reason for the party’s unprecedented loss in Sarawak.

Dr Chan, who lost to DAP unknown Ling Sie Kiong by 1,590 votes in Piasau, said Barisan Nasional had also reacted “too little too late” to correct “unjust and unfair policies”.

“I am very sad over what has happened. We acknowledge that some of the policies in place now are unfair.

“SUPP tried very hard to speak up against these injustices and correct them but apparently, it was too little too late.

“Both the governments must listen carefully to the rakyat’s unhappiness and change because election results showed there is widespread discontent over unjust policies,” he said, attributing the party’s loss to “national issues”.

However, Dr Chan declined to elaborate on these issues, adding that these had been “highlighted enough”.

“The rakyat wants a transparent government. I agree with them. The government must change the way they do things and change accordingly in the manner the rakyat wants,” he said, adding that Barisan leaders must also be realistic and not be confident that the Sarawakians would continue to support the coalition.

“One thing is very clear. Barisan Nasional cannot go on like this,” he said.

Accepting SUPP’s losses, Dr Chan, 75, said the party must also change with “new blood” taking charge immediately.

“SUPP will need a complete overhaul. Perhaps we will get some political experts to help make sure this party can remain alive,” he said.

He added that he would ponder his next move after meeting with the other party leaders.

Dr Chan has been Piasau assemblyman for the past six terms before his defeat yesterday.

He started his career as a medical doctor at a clinic here before being appointed as the Miri District Council chairman in the late 1970s.

Ling, 28, a lawyer, was a chambering student in the Kuala Lumpur office of DAP chairman Karpal Singh and only joined Miri DAP as an ordinary member last month.