By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Feb 15: Businessman Affendi Jeman was elected unopposed as president of Parti Sedar Rakyat (Sedar) Sarawak for the 2026–2029 term, replacing outgoing president Dato’ Othman Abdillah at the party’s 7th Annual General Congress held at Merdeka Palace Hotel here today.
The appointment followed Othman’s announcement during the dissolution of the outgoing council that he would not contest in the party election.
In recognition of his contributions as the party’s founder and his eight years of service as president, Othman was appointed advisor to the party.
In his maiden address as president, Affendi stressed that Sedar must remain active and relevant as a political party recognised by the Registrar of Societies (ROS) and constitutionally allowed to contest elections.
“A political party that has been approved must be active. It cannot become ‘parti tidur’ (sleeping party). I want to ensure that this party is as active as possible,” he said.
Affendi also announced that Sedar will contest 15 seats in the next Sarawak Election.
On candidate selection, Affendi said Sedar will prioritise individuals who are committed to serving the people rather than those seeking political titles.
“Those who want to be candidates should not think about becoming YBs (Yang Berhormat) first. They must serve first, and only then will respect come,” he said.
He further reiterated that Sedar is not positioning itself as an opposition party but instead aims to play a constructive role in improving governance.
“We are not declaring ourselves as an opposition party. Our approach is to add value and improve what is not good. We are not here just to oppose,” he said.
He added that the party supports initiatives introduced by the Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, acknowledging the positive developments achieved under his leadership.
Affendi also declared that Sedar will adopt a friendly stance towards Barisan Nasional (BN). BN’s reign in Sarawak ended in 2018 following the departure of its then coalition’s strongholds – Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) – after it lost in 14th General Election (GE14).
“Our stand is that Sedar is a party that is very friendly towards BN,” he said, calling for support from party members.
Affendi, who turns 63 this year, has been active in politics since 2006 and was previously involved with Sarawak United Malays National Organisation (Umno), Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) Sarawak Branch, and Parti Tenaga Rakyat Sarawak (Teras).
He had attempted to form his own political party since 2009 and has contested in elections since 2013.
Here’s a look at Sedar’s Working Committee Council for the 2026-2029 term:
| POST | NAME |
| Permanent Chairman | Awang Badele Bin Awg Ali |
| Deputy Permanent Chairman | Mohamed Zulkarnain@Mohamad Zulkarnaen Bin Yunus |
| President | Affendi Bin Jeman |
| Deputy President | Jenau Anak Masing |
| Vice President | 1. Abd Halim Bin Abdullah
2. Muhamad Musyirin Bin Hendri (Youth chief) 3. Masmanis Binti Mohamed Yusof (Women chief) |
| Secretary-General | Hussain Bin Zainudin |
| Assistant Secretary-General | Raduan Bin Abd Rahman |
| Treasurer-General | Saferi Bin Muhamad Suhaili |
| Assistant Treasurer-General | Izzatul Sofiah Binti Hussain |
| Council Members | 1. Fazira Binti Hipeni
2. Bakri Bin Jeman 3. Abang Yusuff Bin Abang Othman 4. Ahmad Joti Bin Bakawi 5. Julina Binti Jajol 6. Dayang Meria Binti Abee 7. Noraida Binti Along 8. Roslan Bin Ismail 9. Hatta Bin Manchu |
— DayakDaily
