PBDS: Redelineation must ensure Dayak representation, rural fairness
KUCHING (July 6): The coming electoral redelineation in Sarawak must prioritise Dayak representation and rural fairness, said Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) permanent chairman Dr John Brian Anthony.
He claimed that the Dayaks, as the largest indigenous community in Sarawak, have long suffered from under-representation, particularly in rural and remote constituencies.
'We remind the state government and the Election Commission (EC) that redelineation is not just about numbers, but about justice, equity, and democratic integrity.
'PBDS will continue to monitor this process closely and will mobilise legal, political, and civil avenues to ensure that Dayak voices are respected and protected,' he said in a statement today.
It was issued after Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar told a press conference on Saturday that the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2025 will be tabled at a one-day DUN special sitting on July 7.
The Bill, to be tabled by Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, involves increasing the number of elected members in the DUN from the present 82.
It was also reported that once passed by the DUN, the Bill would be brought to Parliament for federal approval.
Once both legislative bodies have endorsed the Bill, the Election Commission (EC) would be responsible for conducting the redelineation exercise.
John Brian said PBDS welcomes the announcement that Sarawak is now eligible to begin the process of redelineating its electoral boundaries.
He said this development is a constitutional right under Article 113(2)(ii) of the Federal Constitution and provides a long-overdue opportunity to address structural imbalances in electoral representation across the state.
'PBDS urges the EC and the state government to ensure that this redelineation process is transparent, just, and inclusive, taking into account fair representation for rural constituencies and recognition of Dayak demographics, ' he said.
According to him, any rural areas predominantly inhabited by the Dayak remain grossly underrepresented due to large geographical coverage with poor accessibility and limited public services.
As such, he pointed out any new delineation must correct these disparities by ensuring greater proportionality in seat distribution.
He also said PBDS insists that Dayak civil society organisations, local leaders, and community representatives be formally included in public hearings during the redelineation exercise.
'This is essential to build trust, prevent gerrymandering, and ensure legitimacy in the outcome.
'Protection of NCR lands and cultural zones – New boundaries must not arbitrarily divide longhouses, customary lands, or traditional Dayak territories.
'Redelineation should respect adat and native customs, and not be used to fragment cultural and social cohesion,' he said.
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PBDS: Redelineation must ensure Dayak representation, rural fairness
Dr John Brian Anthony KUCHING (July 6): The coming electoral redelineation in Sarawak must prioritise Dayak representation and rural fairness, said Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) permanent chairman Dr John Brian Anthony. He claimed that the Dayaks, as the largest indigenous community in Sarawak, have long suffered from under-representation, particularly in rural and remote constituencies. 'We remind the state government and the Election Commission (EC) that redelineation is not just about numbers, but about justice, equity, and democratic integrity. 'PBDS will continue to monitor this process closely and will mobilise legal, political, and civil avenues to ensure that Dayak voices are respected and protected,' he said in a statement today. It was issued after Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar told a press conference on Saturday that the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2025 will be tabled at a one-day DUN special sitting on July 7. The Bill, to be tabled by Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, involves increasing the number of elected members in the DUN from the present 82. It was also reported that once passed by the DUN, the Bill would be brought to Parliament for federal approval. Once both legislative bodies have endorsed the Bill, the Election Commission (EC) would be responsible for conducting the redelineation exercise. John Brian said PBDS welcomes the announcement that Sarawak is now eligible to begin the process of redelineating its electoral boundaries. He said this development is a constitutional right under Article 113(2)(ii) of the Federal Constitution and provides a long-overdue opportunity to address structural imbalances in electoral representation across the state. 'PBDS urges the EC and the state government to ensure that this redelineation process is transparent, just, and inclusive, taking into account fair representation for rural constituencies and recognition of Dayak demographics, ' he said. According to him, any rural areas predominantly inhabited by the Dayak remain grossly underrepresented due to large geographical coverage with poor accessibility and limited public services. As such, he pointed out any new delineation must correct these disparities by ensuring greater proportionality in seat distribution. He also said PBDS insists that Dayak civil society organisations, local leaders, and community representatives be formally included in public hearings during the redelineation exercise. 'This is essential to build trust, prevent gerrymandering, and ensure legitimacy in the outcome. 'Protection of NCR lands and cultural zones – New boundaries must not arbitrarily divide longhouses, customary lands, or traditional Dayak territories. 'Redelineation should respect adat and native customs, and not be used to fragment cultural and social cohesion,' he said.
