By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 5: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) deputy president nominee Datuk Snowdan Lawan has received “tremendous support” from Rajang Basin divisions ahead of the party’s 6th Triennial Delegates Conference (TDC) in Kuching this October.
Nine divisions from the Rajang Basin, comprising Bukit Assek, Meluan, Ngemah, Machan, Dudong, Tamin, Pelagus, Bukit Goram and Baleh, together with their delegates, gathered for a “get-together” session in Sibu on Sept 1 to express their backing for the Balai Ringin assemblyman.
Welcoming the delegates, Snowdan said their presence in large numbers spoke volumes of their strong commitment.
“The fact that you come here in large numbers speaks volume of your strong and tremendous support. Thank you for your presence,” he reportedly said during the session.
Snowdan also explained why he is contesting for the Deputy President post, stressing the importance of blending the younger generation with senior leaders in the party hierarchy.
Among the division leaders voicing support, Dudong division chairman Cr Sempurai Petrus Ngelai said Snowdan had always been ahead in serving the party.
“Come our Annual General Meeting (AGM), we in Dudong know who to support. This is a family contest,” he said.
Bukit Assek chairman Cr Jackson Jugah said he had no objection to Snowdan’s nomination, while Meluan representative TR Minggang described Snowdan as “well-experienced and gentleman enough” to relinquish his Youth Chief post.
“There is no reason for us not to support him,” he remarked.
Machan chairman Andam Abong called for opportunities to be given to younger leaders, while Bukit Goram’s TR Lawrence Liman stressed Snowdan’s notable contributions and ability to lead.
Penghulu Andrewson Ngalai from Tamin insisted that “this is the time for change” and that the party should not remain static.
At the same time, Pelagus representative TR Ukau pledged his continuous support for Snowdan, lamenting the party’s current lack of strong leadership.
“We (party members) are now like children without a real father, who doesn’t really want us to be his children,” he said.
In addition, Baleh deputy chairman Nicholas Kudi Jantai, who spoke last, said Snowdan was vocal, progressive and capable of moving the party forward.
“He insisted on open contest during the Supreme Council meeting, which shows democracy is thriving in the party. His vision and mission are clear, and in fact he could go higher,” he said.
In closing, Snowdan reiterated his vision to make PRS more relevant, vibrant and proactive in government policy-making by rejuvenating the party, balancing power between regions, blending senior and younger leaders, and empowering youth to join mainstream politics.
“We are now in the era where what matters most is policy-making and its impact on our everyday lives. Projects are now a norm—policies will shape the course of those issues,” he emphasised. – DayakDaily
