SUPP Youth chief: Chong's opposition to seat increase ‘unconvincing', not in S'wak's interest
KUCHING (July 10): Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Kuching Branch Youth chief Nicholas Wung has described Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen's arguments against the proposed increase in state seats as 'unconvincing'.
In a statement yesterday, he said the Padungan assemblyman's repeated interruptions during the recent State Legislative Assembly (DUN) debate ultimately led to him being ordered out of the chamber by the Speaker.
'This incident has led some members of the public to question whether Chong was genuinely exercising his role of checks and balances, or merely expressing personal opposition,' Wung said.
He added that as a seasoned Member of Parliament and assemblyman, Chong's emotionally charged conduct did not reflect the composure expected of someone in his position.
Wung further explained that the last electoral boundary review for Sarawak took place in 2015, and that the current proposal is in line with Article 113(2)(i) of the Federal Constitution, which mandates a review of electoral boundaries at least once every eight years.
'The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS)-led initiative to increase the number of state seats is also a strategic step towards enhancing parliamentary representation for Sarawak,' he said.
Based on the ratio of two state seats to one parliamentary seat, Sarawak could potentially secure up to 49 parliamentary constituencies.
'Combined with Sabah's seats, this could theoretically fulfil the goal of restoring the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which envisions Sabah and Sarawak holding one-third of the seats in Parliament; thus enabling a more effective check on federal power. This is a shared political vision of GPS leaders and the people of Sarawak,' Wung added.
He also noted that the opposing stance taken by two DAP state assemblymen has raised eyebrows among the public, with questions surfacing about whether their position truly reflects Sarawak's broader interests or serves the political interests of others.
'Seat reallocation is not only a legal obligation, but also an opportunity to deepen democracy. The key lies in whether parliamentary seat reforms will follow, ensuring Sarawak has the representation it deserves in the federal system,' he said.
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