BN loyalist Affendi Jeman to challenge Othman Abdillah for Parti Sedar Rakyat Sarawak presidency

Composite photo of Affendi Jeman (left) and Dato Othman Abdillah.

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Feb 12: Parti Sedar Rakyat (SEDAR) Sarawak’s long-serving president Dato’ Othman Abdillah will face a leadership challenge from businessman Affendi Jeman in this Sunday’s (Feb 15) party election.

The party, in a statement today, described the contest as a demonstration of its democratic values and internal pluralism.

“A competitive election offers members the opportunity to compare visions for the future direction of the party and engage actively in the democratic process,” it said.

Members and delegates have been urged to maintain professionalism and unity during the election, with healthy debate and constructive engagement seen as key to strengthening the party for future political battles.

Othman, who has led the party since its founding in 2018 and transformed it from a Sarawak-based outfit into a national player, now faces a major test as members weigh experience against Affendi’s fresh vision.

Affendi has previously portrayed himself as a Barisan Nasional (BN) loyalist, having served as the former United Malays National Organisation (Umno) Sarawak sponsor chairman.

BN’s influence in Sarawak waned after 2018, following the departure of coalition strongholds – Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) – after the coalition lost in the 14th General Election (GE14).

In 2022, Affendi contested as an Independent for P193 Santubong in GE15, garnering 3,012 votes in a three-way fight. Dato Sri Nancy Shukri (GPS-PBB) won with 43,739 votes, while Mohamad Zen Peli (PH-Amanah) received 5,058 votes. – DayakDaily