KUCHING: Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) passed a resolution calling for a referendum for Sarawakians to decide whether they want to remain in Malaysia.

It was one of the nine resolutions adopted at the SUPP Annual Delegates Conference 2019 here yesterday.

SUPP president Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian declined to comment further on the resolution when met by reporters at the party’s headquarters.

However, when asked to clarify his claim earlier yesterday that his cell phone had been “bugged” by certain parties, Dr Sim said: “I suspect only, but it’s hard to prove. Handphone is a weapon in politics.”

Also with him was Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang, who later explained to reporters that “we want a referendum to decide whether we want to go for independence”.

The party also passed a resolution to contest in 20 seats in the next state poll.

The constituencies are Padungan, Pending, Batu Lintang, Kota Sentosa, Batu Kawah, Batu Kitang, Opar, Mambong, Simanggang, Engkilili, Repok, Meradong, Bukit Assek, Dudong, Bawang Assan, Pelawan, Tanjong Batu, Piasau, Pujut and Senadin.

In another resolution SUPP pledged support for Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg in rejecting any attempts by the federal government to further erode Sarawak’s rights.

“SUPP together with all Sarawakians will forever stand resolute on our immigration autonomy, financial autonomy, boundaries, land and its natural resources as absolutely non-negotiable,” said a resolution.

The party also urged the federal government to return 20 per cent oil royalties and 50 per cent tax revenues collected in Sarawak (to the state) without further delay as promised by the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government before the 14th general election last year.

SUPP said it supported the Sarawak government’s initiatives to share Sarawak’s wealth with Sarawakians through various programmes which included the setting up of a Sovereign Fund.

“SUPP strongly objects the incorporation of Jawi Calligraphy in the syllabus of Chinese and Tamil Primary Schools even though there are only three pages in syllabus as reported.

“SUPP strongly objects the resolutions adopted by Malay Dignity Congress that only Malay language be allowed as medium of instruction in schools. SUPP stands firm with all Sarawakians irrespective of race to protect the constitutional rights to continue teaching and learning mother tongues,” said two other resolutions.

Another resolution calls for the promotion scheme in Sarawak civil service to be based on meritocracy, irrespective of race and religion.