First female PRS president? Doris says decision lies with party divisions
KUCHING (April 25): The possibility of Sri Aman MP Dato Sri Doris Sophia Brodie becoming the first female president of Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) has gained momentum, with online polls indicating strong grassroots support for her.
When asked about the growing speculation, Doris, who also heads the PRS Women's wing, said she was humbled but insisted that nominations must come from the grassroots.
'It's not about whether I'm given a chance or not. In a political party, nominations must come from the grassroots. Of course, for the sake of my pride and ego, it's nice that people acknowledge me.
'But ultimately, it is the divisions who decide,' she told reporters when met after the PRS Supreme Council meeting at the party headquarters here today.
A veteran of 39 years in politics, Doris reaffirmed her commitment to serving rural communities.
'Whether I'm up there or down here, I've been here since the party's formation. Politics, to me, is not a career—it's a responsibility.
'Positions come and go, but what matters is your commitment to your cause,' she said.
PRS president Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum, meanwhile, said the party has yet to formally discuss any potential successor.
'Yes, why not? However, when it comes to the popularity of individuals within the party, or who is seen as the most suitable to become president—that question was never discussed,' he told reporters after chairing the Supreme Council meeting.
'If you were to ask me personally, I would choose Datuk Seri Doris as well. But others may not share the same view, and Datuk Seri Doris herself might not even be interested,' he added.
Salang stressed that PRS's nomination process is driven by its divisions, and any leadership contest—including for the presidency—will depend on who they choose to nominate ahead of the party's Triennial Delegates Conference (TDC) in the third week of October.
With all positions up for grabs at the upcoming TDC, it remains to be seen whether Doris will officially enter the race, or continue to be a trending name on social media. Doris Sophia Brodie female president lead PRS TDC
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