Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak wants the quarrel between Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) and its splinter party, United People’s Party (UPP), be resolved before the upcoming 14th general election.

Najib said as Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, he believed that Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Tun Openg would have a formula to end the rift.

"I ask that the dispute be resolved once and for all. I believe Abang Johari has a formula to resolve it before GE14, for SUPP to become a solid party again as one SUPP," he said in his speech at the closing of the SUPP 24th Triennial Delegates Conference in Kuching today.

Also present were Abang Johari, who is also Sarawak BN chairman, and SUPP president Sim Kui Hian (photo).

Earlier, in his speech, Dr Sim said the delegates had approved the resolution to reject BN direct candidates in GE14.

Najib said he wanted SUPP to again become a choice party in Sarawak, adding that compared to its triennial delegates conference three years ago, he could feel that SUPP already had a new sense of unity.

"I feel happy today, firstly because almost all the delegates present here wear yellow, indicating a strong revival of SUPP.

"I want SUPP to be a party of choice for the people of Sarawak, just like Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) and other parties originating from this state,” he said.

In his speech, Najib also outlined three elements which could lend strength to SUPP, namely having a plan, the ability to execute the plan well, and unity and solidarity.

The prime minister also announced a 50 percent contribution to the microfinancing fund which will be managed by SUPP.

"I give 50 percent but how much is that, we discuss later and the other 50 percent will be given by the state government,” he said.

Najib said he also approved the request from Dr Sim for Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina Bako, Kuching to be relocated.

- Bernama