KUCHING: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Youth is voicing strong support for an open contest in the party’s upcoming Triennial Delegates Conference (TDC), scheduled for October this year.
PRS Youth Chief, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, speaking to reporters today, after the PRS Supreme Council Meeting, said the matter was among the key issues discussed during the latest party meeting.
“The Pemuda (Youth wing) believes that there should be some movement in the party,” he said.
“If the party doesn’t evolve, it may not be healthy in the long term. This is the voice of the Exco Pemuda, reflecting the aspirations of the younger generation.”
Snowdan noted that while the Youth wing is pushing for an open contest for all posts, the final decision lies with the party’s Supreme Council.
“We give our views, but ultimately, it is up to the Supreme Council, the highest decision-making body, to decide whether a contest will take place,” he said.
The PRS TDC, held every three years, has been confirmed for the third week of October, with an organising committee led by Deputy President, Datuk Majang Renggi, set to oversee preparations alongside nine supporting committees.
Snowdan revealed that feedback from grassroots members will play a critical role in shaping the direction of the TDC.
“We must not leave out the divisions on the ground. They are our members and delegates.
“It’s important to ask them whether they support an open contest or prefer consensus or compromise,” he said.
A special committee meeting is expected to be held before July to review grassroots feedback, ahead of two major meetings in July and October to finalise all matters leading up to the TDC.
“Whatever form it takes, be it open contest, consensus or compromise, the top priority must be the unity and stability of the party,” Snowdan stressed.
“No one is bigger than the party.”
He added that discussions on whether to retain current leaders, or open all posts for contest, must be made collectively, with the broader interest of the party in mind.
“We are not a very big party, so harmony is essential. While it’s good to have open contests, we must be mindful of its pros and cons,” he said.
The final decision on the format of the upcoming TDC is expected after the committee consolidates grassroots views and presents them to the Supreme Council.
“Most importantly, the TDC must proceed as planned in October. We must not delay. The party’s future depends on it,” he said.
