Gira, Chukpai to vie for PRS Youth Chief post at October TDC
KUCHING (Aug 13): Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang and Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon are expected to vie for the Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Youth Chief post at the party's triennial delegates conference (TDC) here this October.
Both ordinary supreme council members stated their intention to contest for the role soon after current Youth Chief Datuk Snowdan Lawan confirmed during a special supreme council meeting last Sunday that he would not seek re-election.
Gira when contacted said he accepted the nomination after several party leaders proposed his name following Snowdan's decision.
'I humbly accepted the nomination, and I am prepared to offer my service and dedication to the party's youth wing,' he said.
He expressed confidence that delegates would make an informed choice on the next Youth Chief, and pledged to strengthen the role of youth in PRS while contributing positively to Sarawak's development.
'My agenda includes nurturing and grooming youth leadership within the party; providing political training and mentorship for the younger generation; empowering the Youth members to be a positive and influential voice; equipping them with both hands-on skills and digital literacy to meet modern challenges; promoting PRS values in line with the vision of the GPS government and; supporting and participating in the development agendas of the Sarawak government, especially in uplifting the Dayak community,' he said.
Chukpai, meanwhile, said his decision to contest stems from a commitment to amplify youth voices, address their concerns, and lead PRS in delivering for the Dayak community and all Sarawakians.
He cited the inclusive leadership of the late party president Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing as an enduring inspiration.
'PRS was founded in 2004 and its first Youth Chief was Datuk Mong Dagang, an Iban. The second Youth Chief was Datuk Liwan Lagang, an Orang Ulu and the third, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, an Iban.
'Therefore it would be ideal should the next Youth Chief post be held by either Orang Ulu or Bidayuh to reflect inclusive representation. This is ideal to ensure that the party remains inclusive,' he said.
The Masing legacy should be carried forward to strengthen inter-ethnic cooperation and empower the party's structures for the future, he added.
Chukpai highlighted his long involvement in PRS Youth since the party's formation in 2004, including serving as Central Youth Vice-Chief under Mong Dagang, Belaga Youth Chief from 2004 to 2016, and PRS Murum Division Chairman since 2016.
'Based on this record and my commitments, I am confident I can contribute significantly to strengthening PRS Youth Wings if given the opportunity,' he said.
Candidates must secure eight divisional nominations to qualify for the post, he said, adding that he is actively engaging divisional leaders to build support, ensure transparency, and address grassroots concerns.
'I am optimistic that, with sustained engagement, we can meet the nominations in due course,' said Chukpai.
His vision is to empower Dayak youth, unite communities through inclusive leadership, and strengthen PRS as a credible voice for Sarawak's future, with a focus on education, economic opportunities, social cohesion, and heritage preservation.
By virtue of the position, the elected Youth chief would automatically be appointed as party Vice President.
Recent reports also suggest Lubok Antu MP Roy Gingkoi and Baleh assemblyman Nelson Kudi Jantai have also been urged by supporters to contest.
Roy declined to comment when contacted, citing his attendance at the current Parliament sitting. Christopher Gira Sambang Kennedy Chukpai Ugon PRS TDC Youth chief
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