Editor’s Note: This story has been amended to reflect the official results of the Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) leadership election announced after the 6th Triennial Delegates Conference (TDC).
By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 19: Veteran Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) leader Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai has been elected as the new president of the party, following official results from its 6th Triennial Delegates Conference (TDC) held at Riverside Majestic Hotel here today.
Sikie, who is Kakus assemblyman and Minister in the Premier’s Department, is understood to have defeated Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang in a straight fight for the presidency.
Based on preliminary figures, Sikie won 186 votes against Nyabong’s 154, from 341 ballots cast with one spoiled.
He becomes the third president of PRS after the founding president, the late Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing, and outgoing president Dato Sri Joseph Salang Gandum.
With his victory, Sikie also makes history as the first president to be elected through a contest in the party’s history. Salang took over the presidency following Masing’s passing in 2021 and continued to lead PRS through the Covid-19 period.
Meanwhile, the deputy president post went to Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development II (Port Development) and Samalaju assemblyman Datuk Majang Renggi, who won uncontested following the withdrawal of Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts II (Creative Industry and Performing Arts) and Balai Ringin assemblyman Datuk Snowdan Lawan from the race.
At the same time, Sri Aman MP Dato Sri Doris Sophia Brodie retained her position as PRS Women chief unopposed, while Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang was elected as the new PRS Youth chief. Their positions automatically make them among the seven vice-presidents of the party.
The remaining five vice-president posts are filled by Hulu Rajang MP Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, Belaga assemblyman Datuk Liwan Lagang, Bukit Begunan assemblyman Datuk Mong Dagang, Senator Rita Sarimah Patrick Insol and Kanowit MP Dato Sri Aaron Ago Dagang.
PRS’ new lineup for the 2025–2028 term can be read here. — DayakDaily
