Snowdan to step down as PRS Youth chief after nine-year tenure

KUCHING (April 26): Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Youth chief Datuk Snowdan Lawan has confirmed he will not be defending his post at the party’s upcoming Triennial Delegates Conference (TDC), marking the end of his nine-year leadership of the youth wing.

Speaking to reporters after the PRS Supreme Council meeting at the party’s headquarters yesterday, Snowdan said the decision had already been conveyed to the PRS Youth exco.

“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 said.

Snowdan, who has served three consecutive terms, said it would be unfair to remain in the position when others are ready to take over.

“I’ve been Youth chief for nine years. That’s too long, I’ve overstayed,” he said.

He noted that leaders in other parties had not remained in their youth posts for as long, citing the example of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB).

“Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu and Miro Simuh of PBB served only one term,” he said, adding that the current PBB Youth chief is Datuk Martin Ben.

Snowdan did not rule out contesting other positions in the party’s leadership structure but maintained the importance of leadership renewal in the youth wing.

He also revealed that the party is currently engaging its grassroots to gauge whether there should be an open contest or a consensus in deciding party leadership 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, adding that the feedback will be deliberated in a special committee meeting before July.

While noting that some members are in favour of a compromise, Snowdan said the party’s unity and stability must come first.

A final decision will be presented to the Supreme Council for discussion and evaluation, ensuring grassroots input is taken into account in shaping the party’s future direction.