‘I must give way’, Snowdan confirms he will not defend PRS Youth chief post after 9 years

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, April 25: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Youth chief Datuk Snowdan Lawan has officially announced that he will not be defending his position in the party’s upcoming Triennial Delegates Conference (TDC), marking the end of his nine-year tenure at the helm of the youth wing.

Speaking candidly after the PRS Supreme Council meeting at the party headquarters today, Snowdan said he had made his decision clear to his fellow PRS Youth exco members.

“Whether there is a contest or not, I’ve made a very clear stand to the Supreme Council—I will not defend my post as the Youth chief. It’s enough for me,” he stated.

Snowdan, who has served three consecutive terms, said it would be unfair to remain in the position any longer when others are ready to step up.

Citing examples from other component parties, he noted that previous Youth chiefs such as Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu and Miro Simuh of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) served only one term, while the current PRS Youth chief is Datuk Martin Ben.

While he did not dismiss the possibility of contesting other posts within the party leadership, Snowdan stressed the need for renewal in the Youth wing.

“I’ve been Youth chief for nine years. That’s too long—I’ve overstayed.

“So I told them, if there’s a contest, we can go on. But if there is no contest, then a compromise is needed. Either way, I still need to go up,” he quipped, joking that his long tenure might qualify him for the “Guinness Book of Records.”

Snowdan also revealed that PRS is seeking grassroots feedback on whether to allow an open contest or reach a consensus on leadership roles ahead of the TDC in October.

“We need to consult each division to see whether they prefer an open contest or a consensus,” he said, noting that the feedback will be reviewed in a special committee meeting before July.

While some members favour a compromise, Snowdan emphasised that maintaining the party’s unity and stability is paramount.

A final decision will be brought to the Supreme Council for discussion and evaluation, ensuring grassroots voices are considered in shaping the party’s future leadership.

The TDC in October will conclude these deliberations, with leadership posts contested based on the outcomes of the upcoming discussions. — DayakDaily

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