KUCHING: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) President, Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum, will not be seeking re-election in the upcoming party polls.
He said that after discussions among the party elders, Vice-President Datuk Seri John Sikie Tayai has been recommended to take up the leadership.
“I’m not seeking re-election, and among the party’s elders, we have recommended John Sikie to be the candidate to hold the stewardship,” he told Sarawak Tribune when contacted.
Earlier Salang, who gave his full support to Sikie’s candidacy, reiterated his stand during a dinner in Bintulu last Friday (August 22) held in conjunction with the PRS Jelajah Triennial Delegates Conference (TDC).
“At the dinner, we met with committee members from seven divisions – Kakus, Jepak, Tanjung Batu, Samalaju, Kemena, Belaga and Murum.
“It was also explained to the divisional leaders on the importance of holding proper TDC meetings at the divisional level.
“These are part of the process to select a new team of leaders to preserve party unity and also look after the party for the next three years,” he said.
When asked on Sikie’s response, Salang said Sikie was humbled by the selection.
“He promised to do his best when elected at the TDC,” he said.
Meanwhile, the next stop for the PRS Jelajah TDC will be held in Sibu on August 29, followed by Sri Aman (August 30), Miri (September 1) and Kuching (September 3).
PRS is scheduled to hold its TDC from October 18 to 19, with Salang previously announcing that all party positions will be open for contest.
It was also recently reported that PRS Supreme Council member, Wilson Nyabong Ijang, has officially announced his interest in the party presidency.
