KUCHING: The resignation of Julau MP Larry Sng as Sarawak PKR chairman is a popular decision as the party gears for the state election, according to two political analysts.
Universiti Putra Malaysia’s (UPM) Jayum Jawan said the resignation will give PKR another chance to look for a capable Dayak leader to lead the battle for the party.
“If the party can appoint someone who is morally upright with good education and known among the Dayak community, he can actually further strengthen the party, even within the next few months before the 12th Sarawak state election takes place,” he told FMT.
“PKR won’t make any impact in Dayak areas if it continues to be led by a Chinese. Hence, a good Dayak leader is critical for the party to further penetrate Dayak-majority seats.”
Jayum said Sng’s resignation was also unlikely to create any significant negative impact on the party.
“In fact, it gives PKR a chance to be led by a better leader,” he added.
Sng was appointed as the Sarawak PKR chairman in March, replacing Selangau MP Baru Bian, who quit the party in February following the country’s political crisis.
Sng said his decision to step down was taken in the best interest of Sarawak PKR, which should be led by a Dayak leader going into the state election.
James Chin of the University of Tasmania’s Asia Institute also shared the sentiment on the party having a Dayak leader.
“What’s more critical for PKR now is to choose someone who can hold the party together and unite the Dayak voters. Otherwise, the party will continue to be in chaos,” he said.
“They need to name a new chairman as soon as possible as the opposition parties in Sarawak are in the midst of seat negotiations. They don’t have much time.”
The next Sarawak state elections has to be called by June 2021.