KUCHING, April 15 2026: Parti Rakyat Sarawak’s (PRS) former president Joseph Salang Gandum (picture) has been appointed special advisor to the Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) for the 2026–2029 term.
DCCI president Allan Keripin anak Nangkai said the appointment reflects the chamber’s commitment to drawing on seasoned leadership and strategic insight to further strengthen its role.
He noted that Salang’s extensive experience, steadfast dedication, and well-regarded counsel would be instrumental in guiding the chamber towards achieving its vision and strategic objectives, particularly in advancing the interests of the Dayak business community.
Allan added that the chamber also looks forward to benefiting from Salang’s perspective in supporting broader socio-economic development initiatives.
Salang, 75, was a bank officer before entering politics.
He had served as Deputy Minister of Information, Communications and Culture, Deputy Minister of Energy, Water and Communications and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Barisan Nasional (BN) administration under former Prime Ministers Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Najib Razak.
He was the Member of Parliament (MP) for Julau from November 1999 to May 2018.
He served as the second president of PRS from October 2021 to October 2025, when he has served in official capacity from April 2022 to October 2025 and in acting capacity from October 2021 to April 2022.
He also served as deputy president of PRS from October 2018 to his official promotion to the party presidency in October 2021 and secretary-general of PRS from October 2016 to his promotion to party deputy presidency in October 2018.
In addition, he was also previously one of the vice-presidents of PRS, prior to being made party secretary-general.
He was originally a member (and deputy president) of Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak but sat in Parliament without a party after the PBDS was deregistered in 2004.
He eventually joined the PRS ahead of the 2008 election.
