KUCHING: The Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) has submitted the names of 20 candidates for the coming state election.

       SUPP president Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian said the names were for 20 seats traditionally allocated to the party.

       "I have submitted the list to Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman (Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg).

       "Once the names are submitted, there is always a discussion," he told reporters after launching the Batu Kawah Riverbank Park on Monday (Nov 8).

       Dr Sim declined to say whether the list included a candidate for Mambong, a seat traditionally contested by SUPP but whose incumbent Datuk Dr Jerip Susil is now with Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB).

       Dr Jerip, who was then in the United People's Party (UPP), won as a Barisan Nasional direct candidate in the 2016 polls.

       However, he quit UPP (now known as Parti Sarawak Bersatu) in 2019 and joined PBB.

       Dr Sim also confirmed that all seven incumbents from SUPP would defend their seats in the polls.

       "I have said a long time ago that the seven incumbents will be contesting," he said.

       The incumbents are Dr Sim (Batu Kawah), Datuk Sebastian Ting (Piasau), Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin (Senadin), Datuk Ding Kuong Hiing (Meradong), Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii (Repok), Datuk Francis Harden (Simanggang) and Lo Khere Chiang (Batu Kitang).