By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 28: If last Saturday’s gathering in Miri is any indication of grassroots sentiment, Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Youth chief Datuk Snowdan Lawan holds a distinct edge as candidate for the party’s deputy president post, with strong backing from seven northern region divisions keen on ensuring that leadership power is not concentrated in one region alone.
The show of support came from PRS divisions in Bekenu, Marudi, Senadin, Lambir, Pujut, Bukit Kota and Batu Danau, whose respective chairmen and representatives took turns voicing their confidence in Snowdan’s leadership credentials and his decision to vacate the Youth chief post to pave way for new blood.
In a media release, TR Johnson of PRS Bekenu described Snowdan as a qualified leader with a clear agenda to empower rural youth and bring them into mainstream politics and nation-building.
Marudi’s councillor Peter Sujah praised his foresight and courage in opening the way for an open contest.
“If new blood emerges, we will have a blend of seniors and youth helming the party simultaneously. The youth emerges but at the same time our seniors are overseers yet not forgotten,” Sujah said.
Senadin branch deputy chairman Kesong Mopeng concurred, noting that Snowdan’s decision to step aside as Youth chief was both “noble and humble,” a sentiment echoed by Lambir’s Pandang Jemat, who is also political secretary to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, as well as David Stephen from Pujut.
Both stressed that Snowdan’s move reflects maturity and provides opportunities for aspiring younger leaders.
Former councillor Agnes from Bukit Kota pledged her division’s support, hoping Snowdan will stay the course with his candidacy, while Batu Danau division chairman David Upe lauded the emergence of an open contest across posts and urged members to take it seriously.
“I hope we support Snowdan because he had visited and supported our branch activities,” Upe added.
Speakers also pointed out that Snowdan’s ministerial experience, including his past role as Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports and current portfolio in Tourism, Performing Arts and Creative Industry, proves PRS is capable of producing leaders who can serve Sarawak’s broader interests.
Significantly, members emphasised that Snowdan’s potential elevation to the deputy presidency would preserve balance within PRS’ tripartite regional segmentation in the Northern region (Limbang, Lawas, Miri, and partly Bintulu), Rajang Basin (Sibu, Kapit, Selangau and partly Bintulu), and Southern region (Sri Aman, Lubok Antu, Betong, Kuching).
“If elected as deputy president, Snowdan will be able to maintain the equilibrium where power is not concentrated in one region only. It should spread out to reflect the party belongs to everyone,” one representative said.
In his speech, Snowdan reaffirmed his motivation for contesting the post, consistent with his earlier announcement.
“For the right course, I believe in the true spirit of democracy, meritocracy and pledge goodwill, avoiding smear campaigns for the greater good of our party PRS,” he said.
PRS will be holding its 6th Triennial Delegates Conference (TDC) on Oct 18-19 in Kuching. — DayakDaily
