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.
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