KUCHING – The media and others have been asked not to speculate on the future of Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), now that its presidency has been left void by the death of Tan Sri James Jemut Masing.
PRS secretary-general Datuk Janang Bungsu said as a party, they are collectively in mourning and nothing has been decided on matters related to the party leadership or Baleh constituency.
“Our immediate concern is to be with the family and comfort them,” he told The Vibes when contacted.
Janang was commenting on a local news portal, which reported that PRS deputy president Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum will assume the post of acting president.
The Dayak Daily quoted Gandum as saying: “I will be in an acting capacity and will lead the party in the upcoming state election, before passing on the baton to a president – to be decided by the party in its triennial delegates conference that will be held after the election.”
Janang also said a meeting will be held by the party later this afternoon.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob extended his condolences to Masing’s family, wishing them strength during this difficult period in facing their loss.
In a statement, he said Masing’s demise has left a major vacuum for Sarawak and the nation.
“He was a people-oriented leader, and was far-sighted and authoritative,” he said.
“His services and sacrifices will surely be remembered forever.”
Separately, Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) president Voon Lee Shan said it is not wise for the Sarawak elections to be held during the Covid-19 pandemic, given what happened to Masing.
“We have not been able to control or wipe out Covid-19 since the imposition of the emergency, and we are fast losing ground to the disease.
“To hold elections now – as insisted by a few ministers in past weeks – would be disastrous because the spread of the virus would be very fast and uncontainable due to mobility of people going around during election campaigns.
“It is also unfair to the Dayak people because they are in a state of mourning for their paramount chief. They now have a vacuum to fill – the void left by Masing,” he said.
“PBK is with the family of the late Masing to mourn their loss, and we are also with the Dayaks who lost their paramount chief. PBK hopes a Dayak leader will be found soon to wear the shoes left by Masing,” he added. – The Vibes, October 31, 2021
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