Tamin rep: PRS proposes 8 new state seats, 1 federal seat for Sarawak redelineation
KUCHING (July 7): Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) has submitted several proposals to the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) redelineation committee for the creation of new state seats, in line with the proposed increase in the number of elected representatives in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly from 82 to 99.
Christopher Gira Sambang (GPS-Tamin) in his debate speech to support the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2025 at the special DUN sitting here today, revealed that the party has proposed for eight new state seats.
'The proposed DUN seats are Bukit Kelankang, which is carved from Bukit Begunan and Simanggang; Mapai/Sibu Jaya (carved from Ngemah and Dudong); Bukit Arip (carved from Tamin and Kakus); Tubau (carved from Murum and Kakus); Pengejau (carved from Bekenu and Marudi); Medamit (carved from Batu Danau); Anau (carved from Jepak and Kakus); and Sungai Plan (carved from Samalaju),' said the PRS Supreme Council member.
He said PRS has also proposed for a new parliamentary seat namely Bukit Buan, to be carved out of the current Kakus and Tamin state constituencies, both of which fall under the Selangau parliamentary constituency.
'These proposals are based on careful consideration of voter distribution, geographical remoteness, and the pressing need for improved representation and development planning,' he said.
Gira pointed out that since the last redelineation in 2014, Sarawak has experienced significant population growth, especially in the rural areas.
'The state has also experienced accelerated infrastructure and economic development under the leadership of our Premier and the GPS Government and the resulting strain on service delivery across vast and often remote constituencies,' he added.
Citing his constituency of Tamin as an example, Gira said the constituency spans over 3,472 square kilometres and serves more than 23,000 voters, many of whom live in rugged and hard-to-reach areas.
'Likewise, the Selangau parliamentary constituency now covers over 9,193 square kilometres and encompasses more than 45,700 voters, making effective representation and delivery of services increasingly challenging.'
He said the increase in elected representatives will translate to more equitable voice for all communities, better outreach and service delivery, especially in rural Sarawak, and stronger democratic accountability and local empowerment.
'This initiative directly supports the objectives of Sarawak's Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), ensuring inclusive and sustainable development,' he said.
He also said that the proposed increase of seats was not just an administrative move, but a long-awaited move aligned with the principles of equitable development, effective governance, and the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
'The addition of 17 state seats represents a critical recalibration of our democratic structure. I sincerely hope that a corresponding increase in parliamentary seats for Sarawak will soon be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat.
'As a founding partner in the Federation of Malaysia, Sarawak deserves fair and proportionate representation – not just in this House, but also in Parliament. This is not merely about numbers; it is about constitutional justice and regional balance,' said Gira.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Express
a day ago
- Daily Express
Sabah leaders not amused as businesses fume
Published on: Friday, July 25, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 25, 2025 Text Size: Dr Jeffrey (left) and Dr Joachim (right) both disagreed with the move. Kota Kinabalu: Businesses are not the only ones unhappy over the sudden declaration of an additional public holiday on the eve of Malaysia Day on September 16 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Even Sabah politicians who have been in the forefront of regaining Sabah's rights in the Malaysia Agreement they claim have been ignored over the decades by Federal are not amused. They said the Sept. 15 holiday is not necessary. Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan from Star and Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam of PBS both disagreed with the move. 'Personally, I feel Malaysia, especially Sabah, has too many holidays already,' Dr Gunsalam, who is Parti Bersatu Sabah President, said. Dr Jeffrey said Malaysia Day is already a national holiday and there is no need to declare another day on Sept. 15. 'For Sabah and Sarawak at this juncture, we want the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and its rights under the Constitution to be fully implemented. 'That should be the priority,' he said. Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) President Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee also said the extra day is unnecessary. Cuepacs Executive Laurence Vun said any holiday would be welcomed by workers but felt a holiday on the eve of Malaysia Day might not help the spirit of Malaysia. 'I don't think an additional holiday would bring any significance to the meaning of Malaysia Day. 'For Sabahans and Sarawakians, we feel Malaysia Day should be marked to make all Malaysians equal in every sense of the word – in our civil service as well as all sectors of government and private enterprise,' said Vun. Employers must comply with the declaration of additional public holiday in conjunction with this year's Malaysia Day celebration, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong had said. He said employers could observe the additional public holiday and pay the regular salary, or instruct their employees to work and pay according to the public holiday rates. 'Employers can also opt to give a replacement holiday on another day if their employees are required to work on that public holiday. 'To ensure the implementation of the additional public holiday is fair and organised, the Department of Labour (JTK) is prepared to provide advisory services as well as answer any queries from employers and employees regarding the implementation of this additional public holiday,' he said. The implementation of the additional holiday is subject to provisions under Section 60D(1) of the Employment Act 1955 (Act 265) for Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territory of Labuan; the Sabah Labour Ordinance (Chapter 67), the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (Chapter 76) and the Holidays Act 1951 (Act 369) as the basis for the announcement of the official additional holiday by the government. Employers or employees requiring further information can contact the JTKSM via its hotline at 03-8886 5192 / 5937, by email at [email protected], or at any nearby JTK offices. An employers' group and a business association expressed concern over the impact the additional public holiday may have on business operations. The Malaysian Employers Federation said the extra public holiday warrants careful reconsideration because of its financial and operational impact as such holidays disrupt production schedules, logistics chains, and service continuity. 'This disruption results in lower output, delays in fulfilling delivery commitments, increased costs from rescheduling or deferring operations, and reduced overall productivity, especially for SMEs already operating on tight margins,' MEF said. It also said additional public holidays translate to increased wage bills, with preliminary estimates suggesting that each extra holiday could cost Malaysian employers over RM1 billion collectively. MEF said the practice of declaring ad hoc public holidays, often without broad stakeholder consultation, may affect Malaysia's image as a predictable and business-friendly destination. Noting that investors seek clarity and certainty in policymaking, it warned that repeated instances of surprise public holidays risk undermining investor confidence, particularly among foreign investors. 'While MEF appreciates national celebrations and commemorations, such observances must be balanced with economic realities and the long-term competitiveness of Malaysian businesses,' it said. Small and Medium Enterprises Association (Samenta) president William Ng said that while he appreciates the symbolic importance of celebrating Malaysia Day, additional public holidays, especially those announced on short notice, can be disruptive for SMEs. He said the added holiday would increase costs for SMEs in terms of lost productivity, overtime pay, and delivery delays. 'We urge the government to conduct impact assessments before declaring unscheduled holidays,' he said. Ng also welcomed the encouraging economic indicators shared by Anwar in his address, particularly stronger GDP growth, improved global competitiveness rankings, and a more stable ringgit. 'However, we urge the government to ensure that the benefits of this growth are meaningfully felt by the SME sector, which continues to face persistent challenges in accessing financing, addressing labour shortages, and adapting to rising operational costs,' he said. The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) has called on the government to urgently gazette the September 15 public holiday to provide legal clarity to employers. The additional holiday has triggered concerns within the manufacturing sector over compliance and planning, the group said. FMM said many businesses remain unclear whether the holiday falls under Section 8 or Section 9 of the Holidays Act 1951, which would affect their obligations under the Employment Act 1955. 'This is critical to provide legal clarity and enable businesses to plan operations, workforce scheduling, and ensure compliance with the Employment Act 1955,' said FMM president Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai. The group warned that manufacturers operating on shift-based or continuous cycles face higher risks from such unplanned disruptions. The four-day stretch from Saturday to Tuesday may force production lines to halt and restart, which FMM said would be inefficient and costly. It added that the cascading effects on supply chains, logistics and delivery timelines would be especially difficult for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to manage. FMM advised employers to prepare buffer stock, adjust schedules, and communicate with workers, customers and suppliers to minimise operational risks. The group also reminded businesses to monitor the gazette and consider using the substitution option under Section 8, if applicable. It then reiterated its view that 'policy announcements must reflect clarity, consistency, certainty, and credibility,' adding that ad hoc decisions could undermine Malaysia's attractiveness to investors. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Free Malaysia Today
a day ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Report on states' competency to enact Islamic laws presented to rulers
Religious affairs minister Na'im Mokhtar said the report was presented to the Conference of Rulers at their 269th meeting last week. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The findings of a study on the competency of state assemblies to enact Islamic laws under state enactments has been presented to the rulers, says religious affairs minister Na'im Mokhtar. Na'im said the report prepared by a special committee had been presented to the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) chaired by Perak's Sultan Nazrin Shah on July 1. It was also presented to the Conference of Rulers when it held its 269th meeting on July 16, he said in a written parliamentary reply. The report followed studies, discussions and engagements with the various states' head of shariah courts, muftis, Islamic councils as well as representatives from Islamic institutions and other religions. Na'im said the recommendations outlined in the special committee's report will first be studied by the government before further action is taken, partly to look into the need for legal amendments to be tabled in Parliament. 'This is to ensure that every legal amendment enacted, especially those that touches on federal and state jurisdictions, are clear, organised and in line with the Federal Constitution, other laws that are in force, and shariah laws. 'This is to ensure that the amendments are legitimate and will not be questioned by any party once it comes to effect,' he said. The minister said recommendations involving matters under Putrajaya's jurisdiction will first be brought to the Cabinet. Recommendations involving matters under the purview of the respective states are subject to the agreement of the state governments, he added. In August 2023, then MKI chairman Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah of Selangor ordered for the special panel to conduct an in-depth study on the competency of state assemblies to enact Islamic laws under state enactments and the jurisdiction of the shariah courts. He said this was due to the number of cases under the jurisdiction of shariah courts being challenged in the Federal Court. In an 8-1 majority decision last year, the Federal Court struck down 16 provisions in the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code (I) Enactment 2019 on the grounds of their unconstitutionality. Then chief justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat said the state assembly had no authority to pass the provisions as part of the enactment, as the offences in question were covered under federal law.
Free Malaysia Today
2 days ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Chow welcomes RM100 aid but hopes for more holistic solutions
Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow said the RM100 one-off cash aid is still appreciated, acknowledging that it would cost Putrajaya billions of ringgit. (Johnshen Lee pic) PETALING JAYA : Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow has welcomed the government's RM100 one-off cash aid for Malaysian adults, but expressed hope that more holistic measures would be introduced to mitigate the rising cost of living. Chow said the RM100 cash aid under Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) was still appreciated, acknowledging that it would cost Putrajaya billions of ringgit. 'However, I believe the people are looking forward to more comprehensive forms of assistance, such as initiatives that ease the cost of doing business, or infrastructure projects that create jobs and spur growth,' he said, according to the Penang government's news organ, Buletin Mutiara. He acknowledged that Putrajaya was facing financial constraints currently. This morning, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the one-off payment would be channelled through the MyKad and was in conjunction with the upcoming National Day celebration. He said the cash could be used between Aug 31 and Dec 31 to purchase basic necessities from more than 4,100 outlets, including hypermarkets such as Mydin, Lotus, Econsave, and 99 Speedmart. Chow acknowledged that Malaysia was facing domestic and foreign economic pressures, and said Anwar should be given the room and time to navigate these issues, including the US tariffs. 'Anwar should be given a free hand to mediate and mitigate the current situation. He deserves more time to address these concerns in a meaningful way,' said the DAP leader.
