The disciplinary committee of the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) has recommended that Sibu branch head Wong Soon Koh be expelled from the party after finding him ‘guilty as charged’ over alleged actions.

The central working committee (CWC), chaired by party president Peter Chin (right) last night, said it had discussed the matter at length but would not reveal the final decision via the media.

“It is appropriate for the member to be properly informed by way of a letter from the party headquarters before any announcement (is made) to the press,” it said in a brief statement issued after the meeting.

A party source claimed that the CWC agreed with the decision to expel Wong.

“The fact that he refused to reply to the show-cause letter is a direct challenge to the party leadership, and the party has to make a decision no matter how bitter it is,” said the source.

In the letter, the disciplinary committee had sought an explanation as to why Wong allegedly used his ministerial authority to fill the posts of community leaders.

He was alleged to have:

- Appointed Frederick Wong the pemanca of Sarikei;

- Appointed Chan Phan Chan the chairperson of the Sarikei Municipal Council;

- Appointed a temenggong for Kuching;

- Appointed a penghulu for Kanowit; and

- Encouraged Stephen Wong to contest the Sarikei parliamentary seat while recommending Chan to also stand in the constituency in the 13th general election.

Wong had refused to respond, saying he does not recognise the election of Chin and his committee because the Registrar of Societies (ROS) is still investigating alleged irregularities in the December 2011 party polls.

The ROS had issued a show-cause letter to the party. It gave its explanation in 2012 but the ROS has yet to make a decision.

Pending this, Wong has said that Chin and the committee should not make any major decisions on party matters.

Consequences of expulsion

Wong’s own branch and its 15 units in Sibu are prepared to sink or swim with him, saying the allegations against him are baseless and unjust.

Several branches aligned to Wong have warned the party not to expel him

Five state assemblypersons - Ranom Mina (Opar), Dr Jerip Susil (Bengoh), Francis Harden (Simanggang), Johnichal Rayong (Engkilili) and Lee Khim Shin (Senadin) - are also expected to quit the party if Wong is forced out.

Wong’s faction has briefed state BN head and chief minister Abdul Taib Mahmud on the situation, and was reportedly told to find a ‘new vehicle’ to carry on their political work.

Speculation is rife that they may join Parti Bumi Kenyalang, one of five new parties in the state.

The writer, who uses a pseudonym, is based in Sarawak.