The Void Left by James Masing: PRS’s Leadership Crisis
The late James Jemut Masing was the founding president of Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and a Sarawak deputy chief minister, serving as the Baleh assemblyman from 1983 until his death. Two years after his passing, PRS is still grappling with the void left by his leadership, says a political analyst.
A Leadership Vacuum
Academy of Sciences Malaysia fellow Jayum Jawan notes that the party has yet to fill the void in decisive leadership left by Masing. According to Jayum, there is no other leader in PRS who has the same charisma or influence as Masing to drive the party forward.
Joseph Salang Gandum’s Leadership
Jayum highlights that while Joseph Salang Gandum is the current party president, his defeat to Parti Bangsa Malaysia’s Larry Sng in the contest for the Julau parliamentary seat in 2022 was a massive blow. This was Salang’s second election loss to Sng, having previously lost the PRS stronghold to Sng in the 14th general election.
Weak Leadership
Jayum criticizes Salang’s leadership, stating that his grip over the party and its leadership is weak. He notes that Salang does not have a direct link to the Sarawak and federal governments, and that his subordinates are holding ministerial positions at both the state and federal levels, posts normally held by top leaders.
PRS’s Leadership Crisis
The party’s Supreme Council appointed Salang as its president following Masing’s death. However, Jayum believes that Salang’s leadership is not strong enough to move the party forward. PRS is set to hold its triennial delegates conference next year, where delegates will vote on the party’s leadership.
Potential Party Presidents
When it comes to potential party presidents, Jayum suggests that current vice-presidents like national unity minister Aaron Ago Dagang, minister in the Sarawak premier’s department John Sikie Tayai, and deputy digital minister Wilson Ugak Kumbong, among others, may be considered. However, Jayum notes that none of them are outstanding, citing their age and lack of charisma to lead well.
Revisiting Democratic Selection
Jayum suggests that PRS must revisit its tradition of democratic selection, where leaders are chosen through open contests. This, he believes, is the key to finding a leader who can move the party beyond Masing’s era.
Conclusion
The leadership crisis in PRS is a significant challenge for the party, which is still reeling from the loss of its founding president, James Masing. The party’s inability to find a strong leader to fill the void left by Masing’s passing has led to a leadership vacuum, which may affect the party’s performance in future elections.
FAQs
Q: Who was James Jemut Masing?
A: James Jemut Masing was the founding president of Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and a Sarawak deputy chief minister, serving as the Baleh assemblyman from 1983 until his death.
Q: Who is Joseph Salang Gandum?
A: Joseph Salang Gandum is the current president of PRS, having been appointed by the party’s Supreme Council following Masing’s death.
Q: What is the significance of the PRS’s triennial delegates conference?
A: The conference will allow delegates to vote on the party’s leadership, providing an opportunity for the party to select a new president and address its leadership crisis.