KUCHING: Parti Rakyat Sarawak’s (PRS) outgoing Youth Chief, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, bid an emotional farewell to the party’s youth movement, reflecting on nine years of leadership he described as one of the most rewarding journeys of his political career.
Delivering his final address as Youth Chief, Snowdan expressed deep gratitude to members who had stood by him since 2016, saying the journey was marked by tireless work, meaningful challenges, and remarkable growth.
“When I first took up this mandate, I was filled with ambition and a little apprehension. Today, I am filled with deep appreciation for the journey we have taken together. I have no regrets,” he said at the PRS Triennial Delegates Conference (TDC) today.
Snowdan, who led the youth wing through multiple milestones, said PRS Youth had not merely spoken about change but became the engine of it, citing their active involvement in outreach programmes, rural mobilisation, and efforts to amplify young voices across Sarawak.
He recalled several memorable experiences, including the youth delegation’s visit to the United Kingdom Parliament in 2019, where members had the rare opportunity to view the original Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) document at the National Archives in London, England.
“It was one of the best experiences we had – holding and looking at the original MA63 agreement,” he said, noting that the visit left a lasting impression on the group.
Among other achievements, he highlighted the ‘Piala Ketua Pemuda’ Badminton Tournament – a signature event held annually to strengthen camaraderie among youth members across PRS divisions.
Reflecting on PRS Youth’s role in the early days of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), he recounted their extensive roadshow from Lawas to Lundu in 2019, which promoted the coalition’s vision statewide in collaboration with other GPS component parties.
Expressing appreciation to the party’s leadership, Snowdan said their trust and mentorship had been invaluable in guiding the youth wing through moments of uncertainty.
As he handed over leadership to a new generation, he urged the incoming team to stay connected to the grassroots and embrace change with courage.
“Our power comes from the people, and we must always listen to their concerns. The political landscape is constantly changing. Remain agile, innovative and united,” he said.
He also called on members to approach the automatic voter registration and the ‘Undi 18’ transformation with optimism, viewing it as an opportunity to engage and empower a younger electorate.
“The younger generation’s image evolution is a natural thing. We must be ready and not caught off guard,” he reminded.
Snowdan ended his speech by reaffirming his continued loyalty to PRS, pledging to support the youth movement in whatever capacity possible.
“This is not a final farewell but a transition. I will always remain a loyal and active member of this party,” he said.
