By Natasha Jee & Alexandra Lorna
KUCHING: Minister in the Premier’s Department and Kakus assemblyman Datuk Seri John Sikie Tayai has been elected as the new president of Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS).
The announcement was made on the final day of the party’s Sixth Triennial Delegates Conference (TDC), held at a hotel here today.
Sikie, 75, secured the presidency after defeating Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang with a majority of 32 votes, securing 186 votes compared to Wilson’s 154.
A total of 341 ballots were cast, with one declared spoilt.
Sikie succeeds Datuk Seri Joseph Salang Gandum, who opted not to seek re-election.
Salang assumed the party’s top post following the passing of PRS’ founding president Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing in 2021.
Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development and Samalaju assemblyman Datuk Majang Renggi was earlier elected unopposed as the deputy president, after Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts and Balai Ringin assemblyman Datuk Snowdan Lawan withdrew from the contest.
Meanwhile, seven candidates vied for the five vice-president posts, including incumbents Kanowit MP Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang, Hulu Rajang MP Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, Belaga assemblyman Datuk Liwan Lagang, and Bukit Begunan assemblyman Datuk Mong Dagang.
The new contenders were Lubok Antu MP Roy Angau Gingkoi, Baleh assemblyman Nicholas Kudi Jantai, and Senator Rita Sarimah Patrick Insol.
Ugak received the highest number of votes with 222, and was elected senior vice-president, followed by Liwan, Mong and Aaron as re-elected vice-presidents.
The newly elected vice-president is Rita.
Sri Aman MP Datuk Seri Sophia Brodie returned unopposed as PRS Women’s chief, and Tamin sssemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang was elected as the new Youth’s chief.
Both positions automatically qualify them as members of the seven vice-presidents.
Held in conjunction with PRS’ 21st anniversary celebration, the TDC also saw the election of 15 Supreme Council members for the 2025-2028 term, contested by 33 candidates.
