Len Talif: Up to EC whether increased DUN seats implemented in next state election
KUCHING (July 8): The decision on whether the proposed increase to 99 seats in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) will be implemented in the next state election lies entirely with the Election Commission (EC), said Datuk Len Talif Salleh.
The Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment said he could not comment on the timeline for implementation, as it falls under the EC's jurisdiction.
'I don't know, that is up to the EC. It depends on how quickly they can carry out the redelineation process,' he said in a press conference held in conjunction with the upcoming Sarikei Tuanku Haji Bujang Bridge Half Marathon at the DUN complex here yesterday.
Len Talif was responding to Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen, who had earlier questioned the need to increase the number of DUN seats from 82 to 99.
Referring to the redelineation process carried out in 2014, he said the time required for such exercises can vary from case to case.
'Historically, some cases have taken several years, others just one year and some only a few months.
'It's entirely up to the EC. We have no authority to instruct them to expedite the process, as they must adhere to specific guidelines and protocols,' he said.
'We have made the announcement regarding the 99 seats, but in the end, it is the EC that will determine the redelineation within the existing parliamentary boundaries,' he explained.
On a related matter, he said the principle of 'one person, one vote' cannot be applied strictly in Sarawak due to the state's vast size and low population density in certain areas.
According to him, building basic infrastructure such as a one-kilometre road in an urban area 'costs significantly less' than in rural areas even if fewer people live there.
'Even if the infrastructure benefits only a small number of rural residents, the impact on their lives is substantial. That's why infrastructure needs must also be considered during redelineation deliberations.
'All these factors must be taken into account by the EC in deciding on the new electoral boundaries,' he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
18 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Batu Kitang rep slams Sarawak DAP's refusal to support DUN seat hike Bill
Dato Lo Khere Chiang KUCHING (July 9): Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang has likened the Sarawak DAP's refusal to support the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Members) Bill 2025 to 'wanting to climb a mountain but refusing to take the first step.' Lo explained that the Bill, which was passed by the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) on Monday despite objections from Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen and Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong, lays the groundwork for Sarawak government to justify more parliamentary seats in the future. 'Chong Chieng Jen cannot say he wants more parliamentary seats and then vote against the one Bill that strengthens the state's case for it. 'That is like wanting to climb a mountain but refusing to take the first step,' he said in a statement. He stressed that the Bill is not just about numbers, but represents a vital institutional reform — a move to modernise Sarawak's legislature in line with its growing autonomy, responsibilities, and development scale. Lo said the Bill is also about justice, autonomy, and restoring what was promised under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). 'It's about ensuring that Sarawak's voice, especially in our remote and rural areas is heard clearly, loudly, and fairly,' he added. 'With more ADUNs (state assemblypersons), we can expand our legislative functions, including Select Committees to scrutinise Ministries and statutory bodies, improve public accountability, and enhance service delivery.' Lo argued that if Singapore can have 99 MPs, then Sarawak — with its vast landmass, scattered populations, and complex needs — deserves the same. 'How do we restore Sarawak's one-third representation in Parliament if we don't first increase our voice in our own Dewan? How can we demand fairness in Putrajaya when we won't even give ourselves fairer representation in our DUN?' 'Chong says: 'Table the increment in Parliament and we'll support it.' But who controls Parliament? Not Sarawak. Not GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak). The federal government does. And DAP is part of it. 'If Chong and Violet are so committed, where is the Bill? Where is the motion? Where is the pressure on the Election Commission? 'The people of Sarawak are not fools. They can see through this political tap dance.'
Daily Express
20 hours ago
- Daily Express
Semporna lacks basic infra despite being international tourist spot
Published on: Wednesday, July 09, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 09, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey Text Size: Dr Jaujan also used the opportunity to question the State Government's broader planning approach, pointing to the RM1.18 billion being requested under the Supplementary Supply Bill 2025, on top of the RM6 billion already approved. Kota Kinabalu: Sulabayan Assemblyman Datuk Dr Jaujan Sambakong criticised the lack of basic infrastructure in Semporna despite it being one of Sabah's top tourism destinations, saying the town still lacks a proper jetty even as thousands of tourists arrive daily. 'Semporna is already considered an international tourist attraction. But our tourism jetty is still made of wood. 'There's no proper platform and the boats are docking in disorganised spots,' he said during the State Legislative Assembly debate. He said the situation was not just inconvenient but also posed safety risks. He also noted that many tourists were coming from China, Peninsular Malaysia and neighbouring countries, with up to 2,000-3,000 people arriving each day. 'If 80 per cent of tourists coming to Sabah are going to Semporna, then where is the investment from the Ministry of Tourism or the local government?' he said. Dr Jaujan said his recent visit to Semporna revealed multiple issues, from poor road conditions within the district council area to clogged drains that were left unattended. 'Jalan Masbah looks more like gravel than a paved road. Even the drains are clogged with grass cuttings and rubbish dumped by contractors,' he said. He added that neither the district council nor the local engineer could give a clear answer about who is responsible for the upkeep of basic infrastructure. Dr Jaujan also used the opportunity to question the State Government's broader planning approach, pointing to the RM1.18 billion being requested under the Supplementary Supply Bill 2025, on top of the RM6 billion already approved. 'This supplementary request is among the largest we've seen. It makes me think the original budget wasn't planned carefully. 'It looked more like an estimate than a detailed financial plan,' he said, adding that while the opposition supports what is necessary, there must be accountability. 'We're not here to oppose everything. But it must really match what the people need,' he said. He also questioned whether the State could implement the additional budget effectively, given that the year is already halfway through. 'It's already July. By the time projects start, it will be October or November. Can these funds even be spent properly?' he asked. He demanded clarity on how much of the initial RM6 billion has been used and pointed to the Rumah Mesra SMJ housing project as an example where updates are unclear. 'People are asking what's been completed. Inside and outside the DUN, everyone is asking. 'We, too, need answers so we can explain why things haven't improved in five years,' Jaujan said. He warned that continuing to pass large budgets without delivery would reflect badly not only on the government but also on elected representatives. 'This budget looks more like supply than development. No problem supporting it, but we must make sure it leads to visible outcomes,' he said. * 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
Daily Express
21 hours ago
- Daily Express
Sabah records RM35.4 billion investments under SMJ 1.0 development plan
Published on: Wednesday, July 09, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 09, 2025 By: Ricardo Unto Text Size: Nizam noted that domestic investments exceeded foreign investments in both 2023 and 2024, with RM11.21 billion and RM5.37 billion recorded, respectively. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah recorded RM35.38 billion in total investments between 2021 and 2024 under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 1.0 development plan, with 420 approved projects comprising both domestic and foreign investments. Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan, said the State saw the realisation of 52 investments worth RM17.42 billion during that period. He told the State Legislative Assembly on Tuesday that RM10.9 billion in investment was approved in the first quarter of this year alone. 'Of the RM35.38 billion total, RM20.61 billion came from domestic sources while RM14.77 billion was contributed by foreign investors,' he said in response to a question from Nabawan Assemblyman Datuk Abdul Ghani Mohamed Yassin. Nizam noted that domestic investments exceeded foreign investments in both 2023 and 2024, with RM11.21 billion and RM5.37 billion recorded, respectively. 'In 2023, foreign investments amounted to only RM130 million, while in 2024, they reached RM1.08 billion,' he said. He said foreign investments focused on specialised sectors such as copper foil manufacturing, solar panels, oil and gas, and steel production. 'In comparison, domestic investors were involved in a broader range of industries outside of those specialised sectors,' he added. Nizam said the State's success in attracting investors reflected growing confidence in Sabah's economy under the current administration. To sustain momentum, the State Government plans to establish three new industrial parks – the Blue Economy Industrial Park in Kudat, and two Integrated Industrial Parks in Kota Belud/Kota Marudu and Beaufort/Kimanis. * 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
