KUCHING: After weeks of public speculation over which higher position he would contest in, Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Youth Chief, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, has officially announced his bid for the Deputy President post in the party’s upcoming 6th Triennial Delegates Conference (TDC).
The TDC is scheduled to take place in Kuching from October 18 to 19, 2025, following the PRS Supreme Council’s announcement on August 10 to allow an open contest for all elected positions.
“After much consideration and consultation with grassroots members, I have decided to humbly offer myself to contest for the Deputy President post,” he said at a press conference today at the Mulu Room, Baitulmakmur II building.
Assuring members that the contest would remain a “family affair”, Snowdan stressed that the move aims to strengthen unity rather than create division within the party.
“This contest will only determine the movement within the party’s hierarchy. After the TDC, some may move up, others may retain their positions, and some may give way – but we will keep our unity intact,” he said.
Explaining his decision, Snowdan said his primary goal is to bring more youth into mainstream politics, especially with the lowering of the voting age to 18.
“My agenda is to groom and involve youth in politics and nation-building,” he said.
Snowdan, who served as Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports from 2017 to 2021 and is currently with the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, said his experience would enable him to better connect with younger voters.
“Youth aged 15 to 40 make up about 60 per cent of our population. If elected, I aim to ensure their voices are represented while maintaining a balance between senior leaders and the emerging younger generation,” he added.
He revealed that his decision came after extensive consultations with divisional leaders and grassroots members, many of whom called for a leadership refresh within the party.
“I will work closely with whoever becomes the next president for the greater good of PRS and GPS,” he said, adding that he had also taken into account feedback from coalition partners, PBB, SUPP and PDP regarding PRS’ role in rural politics.
Snowdan reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Sarawak’s vision of becoming a developed state by 2030, in line with the framework set by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“Our mission is to strengthen PRS’ role within GPS, work closely with our partners, and ensure rural communities thrive politically, economically and socially,” he said.
If elected, Snowdan pledged to make PRS “more proactive, vibrant and relevant” while enhancing its image and fostering party unity.
“I humbly urge members from all divisions to give me the opportunity to serve the party at a greater height,” he said.
