Wong: Increasing DUN seats to 99 ensures fairer representation for all Sarawakians
KUCHING (July 7): The proposed increase in Sarawak constituencies from 82 to 99 will pave the way for fairer voter distribution and more equitable representation for all Sarawakians, said Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh (GPS–Bawang Assan).
He said such a move will serve as a crucial step towards addressing the current imbalance between urban and rural constituencies.
He pointed out that some urban constituencies now have over 30,000 voters, while certain rural areas have fewer than 10,000.
'In effect, this means that one vote in the rural areas carries three times more weight than the vote in urban areas.
'This margin of deviation challenges the very foundation of the principles of electoral fairness.
'One may say that this imbalance dilutes the value of votes and undermines the democratic principles,' he said when debating the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2025 at a special sitting of the DUN here today.
Wong argued that the increase in constituencies would lead to smaller, more manageable areas, making it easier for elected representatives to serve their constituents effectively, especially in rural and remote parts of the state.
'More constituencies mean closer representation and more focused delivery of development projects.
'It means that each elected representative can attend more directly to the needs of the people, from infrastructure to education, health, agriculture, and economic empowerment,' he said.
He added that reducing the geographical size of each constituency would also improve accessibility and visibility in areas where development has long lagged behind due to logistical challenges.
Wong also called for the redelineation exercise to better align electoral boundaries with district and sub-district administrations.
Citing his constituency as an example, he said some outlying polling districts fall under different district jurisdictions such as the lower Batang Igan areas which come under Matu District.
'It is hoped that in the forthcoming redelineation exercise, steps are taken to align electoral boundaries with district administration to streamline governance and public delivery.'
Wong further stressed the importance of preserving community and ethnic cohesion during the process.
'We must know that Sarawak is home to a rich mosaic of ethnic groups and indigenous communities.
'In the forthcoming redelineation, we must ensure that no community is artificially divided, or its voice diluted.
'Where possible, constituencies should reflect the cultural and communal identity of the people, be they Iban, Bidayuh, orang Ulu, Malays, Melanaus or Chinese,' he said.
Wong said the proposal in the increase in the state's constituencies also reflected Sarawak's continuing commitment to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
'We in Sarawak have long called for a more equitable representation, not only in our own state assembly but also in Parliament.
'An expanded and more representative DUN is consistent with the spirit of partnership and equality under MA63, and it will also strengthen our voice and our autonomy as one of the founding regions of Malaysia,' he said.
He described the proposed increase to 99 seats as 'balanced and practical,' representing a 20 per cent growth that is substantial enough to make a difference, yet not excessive to strain the assembly's administrative structure.
'It is enough to correct the existing imbalance, but not excessive to raise concerns about over-politicisation or administrative strain,' he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Free Malaysia Today
17 hours 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.
The Sun
20 hours ago
- The Sun
No compromise on student safety negligence says deputy minister
KUALA LUMPUR: The government will not tolerate any negligence that compromises student safety, particularly for those with special educational needs, said Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh. He emphasised that the 2023 incident, where a special needs student was injured, must serve as a crucial reminder of the collective responsibility to maintain safe school environments. 'The Ministry of Education (MOE) strongly emphasises instilling good manners and moral values among students. All educational institutions must strictly follow the Special Circular (SPI) on standard operating procedures (SOPs), including incident reporting and safety protocols for physical education and co-curricular activities,' he said. Wong added that schools should conduct systematic risk assessments for all activities and enhance civic education programmes to nurture empathy and compassion among students. He made these remarks during a Special Chamber session in the Dewan Rakyat today, responding to a question from Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah (BN-Paya Besar) regarding the government's stance on the October 2023 incident. Wong reiterated MOE's commitment to ensuring the well-being of all students, regardless of background, and prioritising a safe and inclusive school environment. Regarding the specific case, he stated that the ministry had taken immediate and long-term measures, including psychological and counselling support for the affected student and family. 'Investigations by the Selangor Education Department and district education office determined that the incident was accidental, with no professional negligence or misconduct warranting disciplinary action,' he said. However, he noted that the case is currently before the Shah Alam High Court, and MOE will cooperate fully with the judicial process. - Bernama
Malaysiakini
a day ago
- Malaysiakini
S'wak DAP Youth tells critics to stop blaming Putrajaya for legacy failures
Sarawak DAP Youth pushed back against criticism of the federal government's success in reducing borrowing, telling detractors to take responsibility for the state's underdevelopment instead of placing the blame solely on Putrajaya. Treasurer Wong King Yii rebuked Kota Sentosa assemblyperson Wilfred Yap Yau Sin, who earlier said a reduction in borrowings means nothing to Sarawakians who live without basic essentials.
