SIBU: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) has come of age. The proof is in the party supreme council’s decision to forgo elections at the Triennial Delegates Conferences (TDC) and instead opt for a consensus leadership line-up.
Newly appointed Tamin branch Youth chief Henry Kanyan said the consensus on Thursday (April 21) was a display of maturity by the leadership.
“In my opinion, the absence of the contest at the TDC has symbolised the maturity of the PRS leadership, thus proving that we want to take care of the party as well as our people,” he told New Sarawak Tribune yesterday (April 22).
“This is what we expect from top leaders, discussions or negotiations to resolve an issue.”
Henry said if the top leaders were unable to unite, a split in the party would affect not only them but also the ordinary members.
“Many outsiders who do not like the party expect us to fight but PRS has shown that we are very mature because during its crucial moment before the TDC such a decision has been taken.
“This will set an example for us, especially the young members, and I think this is historic as almost three days before our TDC we have come to such a decision for the sake of the people and the party.
Henry hoped PRS would keep soaring high despite the absence of its late president, Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing and at the same time have a youth-friendly PRS.
Meanwhile, Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang, who is also PRS Tamin Division chairman, said the supreme council decision was good news for party members.
“Every member should avoid a split in the party. We should look into the interest of the party rather than personal interest,” he said.
He stressed the importance of PRS being led by qualified leaders because the members were putting high hopes on them.
“Datuk Joseph Salang is one of the senior members of the party. He was deputy president of the party and now acting president after the passing of our late president Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing
“Hence, in view of his vast political experience, I trust that he will be able to lead the party.”
He hoped the members would use the two-day TDC beginning today (April 23) to speak out in the interest of party members and also the government of the day. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is scheduled to officiate at the conference tomorrow (April 24).
Some 350 delegates from PRS branches statewide will be attending the TDC at Kingwood Hotel.
