KUCHING: Tamin’s State Assemblyman, Christopher Gira Sambang, has been elected as the new Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Youth Chief after securing victory with 52 votes.
He defeated Murum’s State Assemblyman, Kennedy Chukpai Ugon, who garnered 33 votes in the closely contested race.
Gira succeeds outgoing Youth Chief, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, marking a new chapter for the party’s youth leadership as PRS continues its organisational renewal during the Triennial Delegates Conference (TDC) today.
Following his win, Gira pledged to unite and empower the party’s young members through leadership development, inclusiveness, and closer engagement with the grassroots.
Describing the contest as a “family affair” within the party, Gira thanked delegates for their confidence and assured that he would reach out to his opponent’s supporters to foster cooperation within the youth movement.
“These contests among us are only a family affair in the party. I want to thank all the delegates who supported me. Even though there were two contestants, I will try to accommodate everyone inside Pemuda,” he said after the announcement of the results.
Gira, 54, who turns 55 later this year, said his victory was driven by his manifesto that focused on three main thrusts: strengthening grassroots ties, building leadership capacity among youths, and promoting inclusiveness across regions and ethnic groups.
He emphasised that PRS leaders at all levels must stay connected to the grassroots and that collaboration between the party’s main body, the Youth Wing, and Pewaris must be strengthened.
“I want all party leaders to be close to the grassroots. The Youth Wing and Pewaris must work together with the main body. We need to train our youth to become leaders through leadership and business training, including digital skills,” he said.
Gira also highlighted the importance of inclusivity in the party’s youth movement, representing members from the northern, central, and southern regions, including Orang Ulu and Bidayuh branches.
“I want the Youth Wing to be inclusive, representing everyone from all regions and backgrounds. That is my objective,” he said.
Meanwhile, there were ten new youth central exco members, namely Roger Gingkoi, Dr Jawing Chunggat, Omar Masam, James Jimbun, Herman Tohet, Nyireng Saleh, Edwin Joel, Councillor Stenny Wilis, Dr Gavin Man Gima, and Henry Changgan.
