KUCHING: The northern region of the Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) has thrown its support behind the party’s present Youth Chief, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, as a candidate for the party’s deputy president position, citing his experience, vision and commitment to youth engagement.
The show of support came during a gathering in Miri last week on August 23, attended by seven northern divisions representing Miri, Limbang and Lawas.
The PRS divisions were Bekenu, Marudi, Senadin, Lambir, Pujut, Bukit Kota and Batu Danau, and were represented by their respective chairmen, who spoke in favour of Snowdan’s candidacy.
Village chief Johnson from Bekenu division said he believed Snowdan is qualified to contest as deputy president, and supported one of the latter’s agenda to provide space for rural youth to participate in mainstream politics and nation-building.
Councillor Peter Sujah of Marudi division praised the open contest, noting that Snowdan will be stepping down as Youth Chief to allow for new blood to emerge while balancing the party’s senior leadership.
Deputy Chairman for Senadin division, Kesong Mopeng, described Snowdan’s decision to relinquish the Youth Chief post as “noble and humble”.
Meanwhile, Pandang Jemat of Lambir division and David Stephen of Pujut division echoed the sentiment, adding that it created opportunities for aspiring candidates.
Pandang also hoped that the contest will be conducted in a friendly atmosphere and thereby maintain solidarity.
Snowdan, who previously held ministerial posts in Youth and Sports and currently serves in the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, was also commended for his leadership and experience.
Representatives from Bukit Kota division, former councillor Agnes said they lend support to Snowdan and hoped that the latter will not retract his decision.
Chairman of PRS Batu Danau division David Upe said he was also glad to note that there will be an open contest this time in all elected posts and urged members to vote for a new team of leadership.
Party members noted that Snowdan’s potential election as deputy president would maintain the equilibrium where power is not concentrated in one region only.
From PRS’ context, segmentation consists of three main regions, Northern (Limbang, Lawas, Miri, and partly Bintulu), Rajang Basin (Sibu, Kapit, Selangau and partly Bintulu) and Southern Region (Sri Aman, Lubok Antu, Betong and Kuching).
In his speech, Snowdan said his candidacy aligns with his commitment to democracy, meritocracy and goodwill, pledging to avoid smear campaigns for the party’s greater good.
Also present at the gathering was the permanent chairman of PRS, Jetli Jelian.
