Peter Chin to quit as SUPP president next month

(Bernama) – Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) is set to have a new president to lead the oldest political party in the state.

This follows a decision by current president Tan Sri Peter Chin not to defend his post.

The 69-year-old, who has been party president since December 11, 2011, confirmed today that he would not seek re-election as SUPP Bekenu branch chief, therefore paving the way for new blood to take over the party’s hot seat.

“In order to dispell all speculation, I wish to state categorically, that it is my intention to cease active participation in the administration of SUPP after the Triennial Delegates’ Conference (TDC) 2014.

“As such, I will not seek for (nor be pursuaded to accept) a nomination to contest for a seat in the SUPP Central Committee 2015-2017 during the TDC,” he said in a statement here today.

In line with the decision not seeking re-election, Chin did not submit nomination papers to the Bekenu branch today.

The 23rd SUPP Triennial Deleates’ Conference 2014 is scheduled to be held at the party headquarters in Jalan Tan Sri Ong Kee Hui, Kuching City on Aug 23 and 24.

The party’s youth and women’s section will hold a delegates’ meeting on Aug 22, while branch, sub-branch, youth, women section meeting and elections which began today, will end Aug 3.

On the nomination process today, Chin said so far, it was a smooth affair.

“I will remain a loyal member of SUPP and a staunch supporter of the party and Barisan Nasional,” he added.

Chin, who was a lawyer before entering politics, has served at the federal level since 1990, with his last appointment as energy, green technology and water minister.

He was Miri member of parliment since 1986 and opted not to seek re-election as MP at the 13th General Election last year.