KUCHING: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) has to ensure building bridges between the old guard and emerging voices to prevent infighting.
Political analyst Dr Lee Kuok Tiung said Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum’s decision not to defend his presidency at the party’s upcoming Triennial Delegates Conference (TDC) in October reflects his openness and sense of accountability in allowing the next generation to steer the party’s growth.
“There should be no problem in the transition of PRS leadership, as the party has a structured hierarchy to ensure a smooth transition process.
“Anyway, I do not foresee there will be any drastic changes in PRS. The new leadership line-up must clarify its vision and articulate its direction by engaging ground-level stakeholders, reaffirming their commitments to Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and other coalition partners to demonstrate stability,” he told Sarawak Tribune when contacted.
With vice-president Datuk Seri John Sikie Tayai has been recommended to take up the leadership, Lee said the nomination leans more toward continuation and implies a carefully managed handover, designed to preserve institutional stability.
“PRS appears to be signaling a steady transition. Transition creates potential for both continuity and subtle shifts. Nevertheless, the decision by party elders to back Sikie suggests continuity,” he added.
Noting that leadership transitions matter, especially when a state election is on the horizon, Lee said PRS should have no difficulty facing the upcoming Sarawak state election.
“As one of the components of the GPS coalition, and with GPS’s current strength, PRS is not dependent on individual capacity but on collective consensus. The party enjoys the full backing and support of GPS.
“PRS also has a complete organizational structure, including high-caliber figures in its supreme council, along with active and strong youth and women’s wings, as well as grassroots machinery in all constituencies,” he said.
It was earlier reported that Salang would not be defending the presidency in the upcoming party polls and had endorsed Sikie as his preferred successor.
