Will the Chinese community in Sarawak be devoid of representation in the BN government should the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) withdraw from the coalition?

Such a question should be directed at the party president and not to me, said SUPP vice-president Yong Khoon Seng.

Yong, who is also works deputy minister, said it was not proper for him to give his views on the issue as it might upset the "equilibrium" of the predominantly Chinese party.

SUPP is among the four-member state BN coalition.

"There is no gag order (as such) but the thing is, anything concerning the party which involves a big decision must come from the president (Dr George Chan)," he told reporters after launching the 'Popularising the Flying of Jalur Gemilang' programme, organised by the Sarawak Special Affairs Department (Jasa), at the India Street Pedestrian Mall in Kuching.

Chan, who is also deputy chief minister, could not be reached for comments as he is overseas, on leave.

Yesterday, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) deputy president Abang Johari Abang Openg said SUPP should seriously think about the future of the Chinese community in the state before making any such decision .

Abang Johari, who is also state housing and urban development minister, was quoted as saying that as a bumiputera leader, he surely wanted the Chinese to be represented in the government, unless SUPP decided to forfeit that opportunity.

In advising SUPP to work harder to earn back the trust of the Chinese community, he said PBB would not interfere with SUPP's problems as it had experienced and capable leaders to overcome them.

SUPP failed to retain the Sibu parliamentary state in the recent by-election, and lost eight out of the 19 seats it contested in the last state election in 2006.

Earlier, Yong expressed confidence the spirit of patriotism and nationalism among the country's multi-racial society would be strengthened through flying the Jalur Gemilang, especially throughout the month-long Merdeka celebrations.

A total of 1,200 flags were distributed to business premises in India Street as part of the nationwide campaign to instill patriotism among city dwellers.

- Bernama