Parti Rakyat Sarawak at crossroads: Leadership void after Masing era

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Nov 21: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), which will celebrate its 20th anniversary this month, is grappling with a leadership void, according to political analyst Datuk Dr Jayum Jawan.

Jayum, who is a Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) and member of the National Unity Advisory Council (NUAC), observed that no single figure within PRS currently possesses the charisma, accomplishments, or influence to decisively lead the party forward.

He noted that the leadership struggle has persisted since the passing of its founding president, the late Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing, in October 2021.

While PRS has reasons to celebrate its electoral gains with holding 11 seats in the Sarawak Assembly following the 2021 Sarawak Election, Jayum stated that its leadership under current president Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum remains contested.

Salang, who ascended to the presidency through a no-contest compromise beforex Masing’s passing, has struggled to solidify his position due to his electoral loss in the 2021 Sarawak polls and lack of a direct link to Sarawak’s or the federal government’s power structures.

“Thus, his grip over the party and its leadership within the (Gabungan Parti Sarawak or GPS) coalition was weak. He does not have a direct link to the Sarawak and federal governments, while his subordinates are holding (ministerial) positions normally held by party’s top leadership at both State and federal levels,” he said in a statement today.

Despite the party’s success in securing all its allocated seats during the last Sarawak election, Jayum emphasised that Salang’s appointment as chairman of the Sibu Port Authority does not carry the same prestige or leverage as ministerial roles held by his subordinates, such as Dato Sri Aaron Ago Dagang (Malaysia Minister of National Unity) and Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai (Minister in the Premier’s Department).

“Salang’s inability to secure a parliamentary seat in 2022 has also undermined his claim to leadership. Winning Julau would have elevated his standing, potentially earning him a federal ministerial post, a position now held by Aaron.

“Other party leadership have lost in elections but due to them being seen as key allies, they have been given senatorship that would make them eligible to be appointed as federal minister and to represent their party in the coalition and government. This did not happen for Salang and this speaks much of his leadership and especially how his more privileged party members would view him,” he said.

To Jayum, the challenge for PRS lies in the lack of clear successors to Salang as several potential candidates face various limitations.

“Without being specific and mentioning names among the party lawmakers, there are many issues that would put some potential candidates to take over the presidency in some doubt. First, some senior party lawmakers that could be leading to take over if not for their age, a bit old. Second, there are some that are not healthy, including some rising stars within the party. Third, there are still some that are a little young and lack experience. Fourth, there are lawmakers that simply lack the charisma to lead,” he observed.

Citing full ministers, namely Aaron, 65, and Sikie, 74; deputy minister such as its vice president Wilson Ugak Kumbong (federal), secretary-general Datuk Malcom Mussem Lamoh (State), Youth chief Datuk Snowdan Lawan (State) and vice president Datuk Liwan Lagang (State), Jayum said these are potential contenders, but none have emerged as standout candidates.

Jayum emphasised the need for PRS to cultivate a new generation of leaders capable of connecting with Sarawak’s younger electorates and matching the dynamism of leaders from other component parties.

“A leader is only as good as the people who put them there. The Dayak and Iban communities of yesteryears selected their leaders through open contests, choosing the best among the best. This tradition of democratic selection is something PRS must revisit if it is to find a leader who can move the party beyond the era of Masing,” he added.

With its 20th anniversary on the horizon, PRS faces a critical juncture. Whether the party consolidates its leadership under Salang or charts a new course with fresh faces, its future hinges on finding a leader who can inspire unity and progress. — DayakDaily

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