Unofficial: John Sikie Tayai elected new PRS president

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Oct 19: Veteran Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) leader Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai has been elected as the new president of the party, according to unofficial results from its 6th Triennial Delegates Conference (TDC) held at Riverside Majestic Hotel here today.

Sikie, who is Kakus assemblyman and Minister in the Premier’s Department, is understood to have defeated Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang in a straight fight for the presidency.

Based on preliminary figures, Sikie won 184 votes against Wilson’s 159, from 343 ballots cast with none spoiled.

He becomes the third president of PRS after the founding president, the late Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing, and outgoing president Dato Sri Joseph Salang Gandum.

With his victory, Sikie also makes history as the first president to be elected through a contest in the party’s history. Salang took over the presidency following Masing’s passing in 2021 and continued to lead PRS through the Covid-19 period.

Known for his long-standing service and loyalty to PRS, Sikie has served as an elected representative since 1991 and has held various portfolios in the Sarawak government.

Meanwhile, the deputy president post is expected to go to Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development II (Port Development) and Samalaju assemblyman Datuk Majang Renggi, who won uncontested following the withdrawal of Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts II (Creative Industry and Performing Arts) and Balai Ringin assemblyman Datuk Snowdan Lawan from the race.

At the same time, Sri Aman MP Dato Sri Doris Sophia Brodie retained her position as PRS Women chief unopposed, while Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang was elected as the new PRS Youth chief. Their positions automatically make them among the seven vice-presidents of the party.

The remaining five vice-president posts are being contested by seven candidates, namely Kanowit MP Dato Sri Aaron Ago Dagang (incumbent), Hulu Rajang MP Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong (incumbent), Belaga assemblyman Datuk Liwan Lagang (incumbent), Bukit Begunan assemblyman Datuk Mong Dagang (incumbent), Lubok Antu MP Roy Angau Gingkoi, Senator Rita Sarimah Patrick Insol, and Baleh assemblyman Nicholas Kudi Jantai.

The official results for all posts are expected to be announced later at 6.30pm before the PRS TDC dinner. – DayakDaily

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