By Lian Cheng
SIBU, April 23: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Youth has been called to uphold party constitution for its survival and to prove those who predicted its immediate disintegration following the passing of its first president the late Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing wrong.
Youth Chief Datuk Snowdan Lawan said this were comments of netizens on the topic as PRS’ affairs have been of great interest to the public.
“Their perception is that, a Dayak-based party will not survive after the first president leaves or ceases to lead the party. We as party members are to prove them wrong.
“We trust our constitution. We trust our Supreme Council because that is the highest decision-making body of our party. It’s our institution.
“We all have to subscribe to what had been reached upon either after being minuted, or by consensus or endorsement as per our constitution, failing which our party will be in jeopardy for reasons which are uncalled for. It (failure to abide by PRS constitution) can cause our entity, our party being de-registered,” said Snowdan at the opening of PRS’ 5th Women and Youth Triennial Delegates Conference (TDC) by its deputy president Datuk Majang Renggi at a local hotel here today.
Snowdan said the party must honour the party’s constitution, the authority of its Supreme Council and the decisions of its office bearers.
“We cannot compromise on this lest we are seen defeating our own rules and purposes,” he reminded.
He urged all party members to close ranks to allow a smooth transition of party’s leadership. This to him signified party maturity which will earn respects from others.
Quoting advice of Masing, Snowdan who is also Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts said Masing’s leadership and legacy had made the party stand tall, united, strong and relevant.
“Our presence in this hall today also displays what we have inherited from him — unity and strength which is still intact and we will remain solid,” he said.
To him, the recent party contention had passed as “a storm in a teacup” due to late Masing whose leadership that focused on unity had steered PRS to be one of the largest parties in Sarawak in the last two decades.
Snowdan emphasised that PRS Youth is committed to pass this legacy to the next generation of youth or its new offspring or “Pewaris PRS” which caters for those above 18 years old.
As for the direction of the next three years, he said PRS Youth will focus on uplifting the standard of living of the rural populace by bringing vigorous development especially in the field of education, training, civil service, infrastructure, economic and entrepreneurship.
“We will collaborate with the relevant agencies and assist our people to utilise and optimise business aid provided by the government. The welfare of the Dayaks in the rural areas where our stronghold lies will continue to be taken care of and pursued by the party,” he added. — DayakDaily
