Latest news with #TriennialDelegatesConference
Borneo Post
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Open contests a must to endorse PRS leadership, says don
Jayum says Masing—PRS' founder and first president—had held open contests in every Triennial Delegates Conference (TDC) since the party's establishment in 2004. KUCHING (May 9): Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) ought to emulate their former president, the late Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing, in subscribing to democratic principles by calling for open contests in the party, said Datuk Dr Jayum Jawan Empaling. The political scientist and Academy of Sciences Malaysia Fellow said Masing—PRS' founder and first president—had held open contests in every Triennial Delegates Conference (TDC) since the party's establishment in 2004. 'Contests for positions in the party were held in 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2016. The only exception was in 2022 when, following Masing's demise, the supreme council decided to maintain the leadership status quo after reaching a compromise,' he told The Borneo Post when contacted yesterday. He was asked for his take on PRS' TDC scheduled to take place this October, with the party yet to announce whether open contests would be held. Jayum said should PRS decide in favour of holding open contests, the winners would not necessarily be the best or most qualified person, but rather the most popular or well-liked by the grassroots. 'It's also about respect, which equates to being well accepted across the grassroots. The late Masing had this. 'How else could he lead the party for almost two decades if not for his knowledge, experience, charisma and wisdom?' Jayum said Masing's only fault was not to have in place a clear succession plan, although he was said to have favoured one person among his inner circle whom he saw as having clear leadership potential among the many PRS lawmakers. 'Unfortunately, Masing himself expressed reservation on whether this person would be able to draw support from the many competing aspirants,' he claimed. In moving forward, Jayum said PRS has no choice but to hold open contests in the upcoming TDC to endorse its leadership. He suggested PRS hold open forums where aspiring candidates can present their visions and plans for the party. 'It is important for party members to assess the quality of candidates that they are going to elect,' he said. He stressed that reaching a compromise on the party's leadership, such as in 2022, would deny members their right to elect their leaders, including the president. 'Anyone involved in this move (compromise) is unworthy of being elected to any position in the party, let alone party president. Engineering a compromise is tantamount to sweeping problems under the carpet. 'This is not the way to resolve issues within the party, especially if the current PRS leaders want to strengthen the party and emerge from the shadow of the late Masing,' said Jayum. James Masing Jayum Jawan Empaling party election PRS TDC
Borneo Post
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Snowdan to step down as PRS Youth chief after nine-year tenure
Snowdan speaks to reporters after the Supreme Council meeting yesterday. KUCHING (April 26): Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Youth chief Datuk Snowdan Lawan has confirmed he will not be defending his post at the party's upcoming Triennial Delegates Conference (TDC), marking the end of his nine-year leadership of the youth wing. Speaking to reporters after the PRS Supreme Council meeting at the party's headquarters yesterday, Snowdan said the decision had already been conveyed to the PRS Youth exco. 'Whether there is a contest or not, I've made a very clear stand to the Supreme Council—I will not defend my post as the Youth chief. It's enough for me,' he said. Snowdan, who has served three consecutive terms, said it would be unfair to remain in the position when others are ready to take over. 'I've been Youth chief for nine years. That's too long, I've overstayed,' he said. He noted that leaders in other parties had not remained in their youth posts for as long, citing the example of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB). 'Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu and Miro Simuh of PBB served only one term,' he said, adding that the current PBB Youth chief is Datuk Martin Ben. Snowdan did not rule out contesting other positions in the party's leadership structure but maintained the importance of leadership renewal in the youth wing. He also revealed that the party is currently engaging its grassroots to gauge whether there should be an open contest or a consensus in deciding party leadership ahead of the TDC in October. 'We need to consult each division to see whether they prefer an open contest or a consensus,' he said, adding that the feedback will be deliberated in a special committee meeting before July. While noting that some members are in favour of a compromise, Snowdan said the party's unity and stability must come first. A final decision will be presented to the Supreme Council for discussion and evaluation, ensuring grassroots input is taken into account in shaping the party's future direction.
Borneo Post
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
First female PRS president? Doris says decision lies with party divisions
Doris speaks to reporters after the PRS Supreme Council meeting today. 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
Borneo Post
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
PRS to hold TDC this Oct, all posts open for contest
Salang (seated centre) in a photocall with other party members after chairing the Supreme Council Meeting today. KUCHING (April 25): Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) will hold its Triennial Delegates Conference (TDC) in the third week of this October in Kuching, with all party positions open for contest — pending nominations from party divisions. PRS president Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum made the announcement following the party's 12th Supreme Council Meeting (2022–2025) at the PRS headquarters here today. 'The main topic of discussion today was the preparation for our upcoming TDC. It will be held in October, most likely in the third week, and the venue will be in Kuching. 'All posts will be open for contest as allowed by the party constitution, but whether there will be actual contests depends on the nominations,' he said. MORE TO COME joseph salang party election PRS TDC
