Former Sarawak DAP leader Tiang joins SUPP

A FORMER Sarawak DAP state leader, Michael Tiang Ming Tee, has joined the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP). 

Tiang, 32, brought with him more than 40 other people to register as SUPP members in Sibu. 

The young lawyer, who was once described as a rising star in DAP, contested against the SUPP in two elections.  

He made his political debut by challenging then Science, Techno- logy and Environment Minister Datuk Law Hieng Ding in Sarikei in the 1999 parliamentary polls and state minister Datuk Wong Soon Koh in Bawang Assan in the state polls two years later. He lost in both elections. 

Tiang said he felt restricted in his work as an opposition member, and that he was impressed by Wong’s leadership in bringing development to Sibu in recent years. 

Wong is state Urban Develop- ment and Tourism Minister and SUPP’s deputy secretary-general. 

Tiang dismissed speculations that he might contest in the next state election due in October next year. 

Sarawak DAP state chairman Richard Wong Ho Leng said Tiang’s admission into the SUPP would not be any setback to his party. 

“l wish him good luck,” Wong added when asked. 

He said Tiang had not given any reason for quitting the DAP but “ it has to do with his business”. 

The DAP has decided to field at least 14 candidates in the next polls. 

In an unprecedented move, Wong has already announced five candidates, including three women professionals – Violet Yong Wui Wui (Pending seat), Ting Tzi Fui (Meradong) and Kung Chin Chin (Repok).  

These three Chinese-majority seats are all SUPP strongholds. 

The other two DAP candidates are incumbent Chiew Chiu Sing (Kidurong) and Voon Lee Shan (Batu Lintang). 

The DAP now holds the sole opposition seat in the 62-member state assembly.