Re-delineation must reflect diverse Sarawak communities
He said the exercise should consider the multi-ethnic makeup of densely populated urban constituencies, as well as the specific needs of rural populations that must be addressed.
"For example, we are seeing new issues affecting the ordinary people, such as urban deprivation and poverty, lack of infrastructures in the rural areas and rural connectivity and livelihoods that need to be considered," he said in response to the passing of the Composition of Membership Bill 2025 by the State Legislative Assembly yesterday.
He added that these are the concerns the new state assemblymen need to address, and the re-delineation must allow them to do so without political or racial bias.
Jaban also appealed to Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) leadership to fairly allocate the 17 seats among the four component parties.
"Therefore, I hope that the allocation of seats is not dominated by one single party," he said.
The Sarawak State Legislative Assembly yesterday passed the Bill to increase its membership from 82 to 99.
Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, in tabling the Bill, said the increase was part of efforts to ensure fairer and broader representation for the people of the state.
He added the tabling of the Bill came in response to demographic changes, urban expansion, and a rising number of voters, including young voters aged 18 and above, which necessitated a restructuring of representation.
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