By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 28: Former Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) Youth chief Rapelson Richard Hamit has voiced his support for Dr John Brian Anthony Guan to be nominated as the party’s next president, citing his strong academic background and extensive leadership experience.
In a statement issued today, Rapelson said that PBDS must embrace an open contest for the presidency during its upcoming Triennial Delegates Conference (TDC), expected to be held this May, to regain the trust and support of grassroots members.
He stressed that John Brian’s credentials made him a suitable candidate to lead PBDS into the future.
Born in Sebauh, Bintulu, John Brian holds a PhD in Management from Southern Cross University, Australia.
His professional background includes management consultancy roles across Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, in addition to serving as the former chairman of the Bintulu Port Authority (BPA).
“John Brian is a highly influential figure among Dayak intellectuals and has vast experience at the international, national, and state levels.
“His leadership qualities, combined with his academic achievements, place him in a strong position to garner broad support across various layers of the Dayak community,” Rapelson said.
Rapelson also clarified his own position within the party, stating that he has no intention to contest or hold any position in PBDS.
He said he preferred to continue serving as a regular member without the burden of party office, allowing him to focus on non-governmental organisation (NGO) development work and his professional career.
“Party positions should not be misused for personal gain,” he said, adding that political involvement and NGO work are two separate spheres, and that his NGO activities require him to maintain neutrality while supporting existing government policies.
At the same time, Rapelson urged PBDS to remain committed to advocating for the Dayak community beyond election seasons.
He warned against allowing the party to become a mere stepping stone for individual ambitions and called for PBDS to be a consistent and active voice for Dayak interests in Malaysia.
“PBDS must work tirelessly and continuously to win the trust of the Dayak community,” he said. — DayakDaily
