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PROGRESSIVE Democratic Party (PDP) president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has issued a stern warning to coalition partner Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP), accusing its leader Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian of deliberate provocation in an intensifying dispute over the appointment of community and longhouse leaders.
The latest confrontation follows news that a second appointment ceremony for local and longhouse heads was scheduled in Sibu just two days after Tiong publicly outlined PDP’s position on the matter.
Describing the move as a “blatant attempt to test his party’s red lines” and an “open invitation to conflict,” Tiong criticised the SUPP leadership for ignoring prior discussions and pushing ahead with their own agenda.
“Let me ask plainly: after we have already made our stance clear... Dr Sim’s camp has pushed ahead with their agenda anyway. How does this not amount to an open invitation to conflict?” Tiong said in a statement today.
He added, “If we are not welcome here, there are other places, but we will not accept having our redlines tested and trampled on repeatedly.”
Tiong further alleged that longhouse heads were being pressured, claiming there were threats to withdraw appointments if they did not attend the SUPP-led ceremony.
He suggested that such political manoeuvres were being disguised as administrative decisions.
The PDP president also questioned Dr Sim, who serves as Sarawak’s deputy premier, for prioritising ceremonial activities and photo opportunities over substantive governance issues.
“Is the deputy premier so free? Has Sarawak truly run out of serious issues worthy of his time and attention?” Tiong asked.
He concluded with a forceful warning: “Stop playing with fire. Politics is not a game, and institutions are not tools to be tested at will. If you insist on pushing ahead, I will not back down.”
PDP and SUPP, both key members of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition, have long cooperated in state governance. However, tensions have grown in recent months, particularly after PDP absorbed former Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) members.
This shift has sparked clashes in constituencies including Sibu, Dudong, and Bawang Assan, with leaders accusing each other of political manoeuvring and encroachment.
The intensifying rivalry comes as Sarawak prepares for a state election, which must be held no later than April next year, adding urgency to disputes over influence, appointments, and party dominance in key areas. - February 2, 2026