By Tedong Rantayy
MIRI, Jan 6: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum has dismissed speculations about the party’s supposedly diminishing significance, emphasising its resilience and grassroots strength.
Speaking after the inauguration of the PRS Marudi branch yesterday (Jan 5), Salang highlighted the party’s growth reflected in the newly launched branch which boasts 1,208 members led by Peter Sujar Chambai.
“The assumption that we lack young members is like judging the strength of a teabag without putting it in water. Only when tested will our true strength be revealed,” he said.
While Salang acknowledged perceptions that PRS might appear to lack fresh talent, he gave his reassurance that the party fosters an environment where members can voice their opinions constructively.
“I value honest and dedicated individuals over those who may be smart but divisive. An organisation thrives on integrity and teamwork, not self-serving behaviour,” he said.
On the topic of PRS’s triennial delegates conference (TDC), Salang noted that all leadership positions, including the presidency, remain open for contest.
However, he highlighted the importance of collective decision-making within the party’s constitutional framework.
“According to our party constitution, each post is contestable. However, we, as a leadership team, aim to act in the party’s best interests, not merely for individual ambitions,” Salang stated.
He explained that the scheduling of the TDC often coincides with logistical and financial considerations.
For instance, the last TDC in April 2022 was held earlier than usual due to constraints imposed by the pandemic and directives from the Registrar of Societies (RoS).
Salang hinted that future conferences might align with the party’s anniversary in October for greater efficiency. — DayakDaily
