Commentary
By Shikin Louis
PARTI Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) has reached a defining point in its political journey today (Oct 18). As president Dato Sri Joseph Salang Gandum bows out, the party now faces its first-ever contested presidential race between Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai and Wilson Nyabong Ijang—a test not only of leadership, but of unity and direction.
For a party that has weathered internal unease in recent months, this Triennial Delegates Conference (TDC) held at Riverside Majestic Hotel in Kuching represents more than routine elections. It is a measure of how far PRS has come since its founding two decades ago, and how ready it is to reinvent itself under a new generation of leaders.
Salang’s exit marks the end of a stabilising chapter. Having taken over after the passing of founding president Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing, he guided PRS through a period of quiet consolidation within Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), keeping the party steady amid speculation of internal shifts.
In his final address, Salang called for renewal—urging members to remain united, disciplined and forward-looking as they select the next leadership team. His tone was pragmatic rather than emotional, reflecting both experience and a recognition that the party’s next evolution lies beyond personalities.
The contest between Sikie and Nyabong is being closely watched, not only for its outcome but for what it says about PRS’ internal balance and grassroots sentiment. Sikie, a veteran who is the current Minister in the Premier’s Department, represents continuity and seniority within the GPS framework. Nyabong, the Pelagus assemblyman, brings a constituency-based perspective and a signal of generational shift.
The deputy presidency, meanwhile, was returned uncontested to Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development II (Port Development) Dato Majang Renggi following Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts II (Creative Industry and Performing Arts) Datuk Snowdan Lawan’s withdrawal—a gesture Salang praised as putting unity before ambition. That decision alone set a quieter, more respectful tone ahead of voting.
Beneath the formality, the TDC hall carried an undercurrent of anticipation. Salang reminded delegates that voting was not just a procedural act but a responsibility that would determine “what kind of PRS you want,” urging them to choose leaders who would keep the party cohesive and “mesra” within GPS.
The internal elections this year drew one of the largest fields in PRS history. An unprecedented 33 aspirants are vying for 15 Supreme Council seats, reflecting both renewal and ambition from within the ranks. While most top posts in the women’s wing were filled without contest, the Youth Chief position sees a face-off between Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang and Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chuk Pai Ugon.
In his speech, Salang highlighted that the youth and women’s contests have attracted new, educated professionals, signalling a generational shift in the party’s leadership pool. He emphasised that PRS must “pick the right seedling if we want to have good fruits,” encouraging the inclusion of both young talents and women leaders to ensure continuity and adaptability.
He also noted that four women candidates are contesting for seats in the main council—a number that would have automatically met the quota under PRS’ amended constitution, which reserves five of the 15 positions for women. However, because this TDC was conducted under the old unamended constitution, those provisions could not yet take effect.
Despite that, Salang underscored that PRS is conscious of gender equality, pointing to the party’s two women representatives at the national level—Senator Rita Sarimah Patrick Insol and Sri Aman MP Dato Sri Doris Sophia Brodie. He expressed hope that PRS would soon have at least one woman representing the party in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS), and called for more women to be appointed in local councils, government-linked company (GLC) boards, and as recipients of State honours.
Salang also used his final platform to raise broader political concerns: the need for smaller rural Dayak constituencies for fairer representation, and for political funding reforms to ensure power is not concentrated “in the hands of a few who control the purse strings.” Both issues reflect his continuing concern for equitable politics in Sarawak.
As the party celebrates its 21st anniversary, PRS stands at a crossroads familiar to many maturing political organisations, balancing legacy with change, and identity with adaptation. Whether under John Sikie or Wilson Nyabong, the task ahead for PRS is to translate that legacy into renewed purpose—to stay relevant, grounded, and united in a rapidly shifting political landscape.
For Salang, his quiet exit is less about retirement than fulfilment of duty. For PRS, what comes next will show whether the party’s maturity can translate into cohesion—and whether its new leadership can carry its founding ideals into a new era. – DayakDaily
