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.
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