Letter to the Editor
Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), the second-largest political party representing the Dayaks and Ibans in Sarawak, has come of age. Since its formation in 2004, the party has been led by three presidents: the late Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing, Dato Sri Joseph Salang Gandum, and now Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai.
The late Masing, PRS’ founding president, helmed the party for about 17 years until his passing in October 2021. His death left a leadership void that his successor, Salang, who took over from 2021 to 2025, struggled to fill.
Masing established PRS following the deregistration of Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) in 2004 amid internal disputes. A seasoned politician, he had served as Baleh assemblyman for eight consecutive terms since 1983 and was appointed one of Sarawak’s three Deputy Chief Ministers in 2016.
It would not be wrong to say that PRS’ strong showing in winning all 11 seats allocated to it during the 2021 Sarawak Election was largely due to Masing’s leadership and groundwork, though he passed away three months before the polls were called. Salang led the party to that victory.
PRS sailed to illustrious victory at the 2022 General Election. While Salang took credit for the party’s success, but the strength of PRS in going into the 2021 Sarawak Election and the 2022 General Election was already well established by Masing. Salang came in at the right moment to collect the accolade. As Salang neither held an elected seat nor a government post, he struggled to command authority within the party and among Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) component leaders. His influence appeared limited, with key lieutenants occupying most positions of power.
Sources within PRS and inner circle suggest that Salang’s decision not to seek re-election stemmed from waning internal support. Many believed it was more dignified to step aside than being unceremoniously shown the front door.
At the recent Triennial Delegates Conference (TDC) held on Oct 18 and 19, 2025, Kakus assemblyman and Minister in the Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai was elected as the party’s third president. It was a close and hard-fought battle because the winner did not win outright, while the loser appeared to have substantial support. John Sikie secured 186 voters (54.7 per cent) against Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang’s 154 voters (45.3 per cent). The difference is not huge.
Sikie now faces two immediate and critical challenges: reconciling his camp with Nyabong’s, and re-aligning PRS’ representation in government. These tasks will require not just his political experience but wisdom to balance competing expectations. Rewarding supporters without alienating the losing faction will be crucial to maintaining unity. Regardless of the situation, the winner, whether from his camp or the other side, would still expect the right thing to be done.
For instance, newly elected PRS Youth chief and Tamin assemblyman Ir Christopher Gira Sumbang would expect to be appointed Deputy Minister, a position currently held by Balai Ringin assemblyman Datuk Snowdan Lawan, now an ordinary member. Replacing Snowdan risks alienating him; not doing so may be seen as weakness or unfairness. Another deputy ministerial post, held by Batang Ai assemblyman Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, also lies vacant following his exit as secretary-general, awaiting Sikie’s decision.
Speculation is also swirling over possible changes to PRS’ federal representation. Sources claim Hulu Rejang MP Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong may be promoted to full minister, leaving his current post as Deputy Digital Minister vacant. Rumours suggest a newcomer might fill that role, possibly Senator Rita Sarimah Insol, the only woman and newcomer elected among the five vice-presidents. However, with her second and final Senate term ending in a year, her appointment would be constrained by tenure limits. A senator may not be appointed for more than two consecutive terms.
If PRS is indeed preparing its younger members for leadership, particularly those with notable achievements in education and professional careers, such efforts were not clearly reflected during the last Triennial Delegates Conference. Only a handful of names stood out as individuals with strong academic backgrounds, proven track records, and established networks. Among them, Dato Ir Janang Bungsu was particularly prominent. A professional engineer and award-winning businessman, he has demonstrated both entrepreneurship and leadership, and previously served as secretary-general under the mentorship of the late Masing. Another potential leader is an engineer by profession, though his contributions are less well known. A third promising figure is a lawyer by training who currently serves as chairman of a local authority.
For PRS and other Dayak-based political parties, nurturing professionals and accomplished leaders will be key to remaining relevant and competitive within the GPS coalition, where other components are already rich in talent and technocratic leadership.
Datuk Prof Dr Jayum Jawan is currently a Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia and at the Institution of Malay Rulers Chair at UiTM.
This is the personal opinion of the author(s) and does not necessarily represent the views of DayakDaily. Letters to Editor may be lightly edited for clarity.
— DayakDaily
