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Borneo Post
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sarawak's DUN expansion a strategic move to push for more parliamentary seats, says ex-EC deputy
Wan Ahmad notes that while the EC retains full authority to initiate any redelineation process, the state's decision appears to carry clear political intent. – Bernama photo KUCHING (July 11): Former Election Commission (EC) deputy chairman Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Wan Omar has described the Sarawak government's move to expand the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) by 17 seats as a political strategy likely aimed at prompting the EC to consider increasing the number of parliamentary constituencies, in line with Sarawak's efforts to restore one-third representation in Parliament under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). He noted that while the EC retains full authority to initiate any redelineation process, the state's decision appears to carry clear political intent. 'If the state assembly has already passed the decision to increase the number of seats, it is clear the EC will have to redraw and adjust constituency boundaries,' he said in a Free Malaysia Today (FMT) report today. 'This includes potentially creating additional parliamentary seats to meet the terms agreed under the MA63 (Malaysia Agreement of 1963),' he added. Wan Ahmad also highlighted the financial implications of such an expansion, pointing out that additional administrative and development funding would be required. 'Allocations for 17 new seats, infrastructure development, and other associated costs will increase tremendously. 'However, one positive aspect is that the creation of new constituencies could accelerate economic development in these areas,' he said. Currently, Sarawak holds 31 of the 222 seats in the Dewan Rakyat — just under 14 per cent — far from the one-third threshold that the state is seeking to restore as part of its constitutional rights under MA63. On Monday, the Sarawak DUN passed the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill 2025, increasing the number of state assembly seats from 82 to 99. By comparison, the last redelineation exercise in 2015 added 11 state constituencies. redelineation Sarawak DUN seat expansion Wan Ahmad Wan Omar
Borneo Post
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Increasing assembly seats necessary for Sarawak's devt trajectory, says rep
See Chee How — Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (July 7): Increasing the number of State Legislative Assembly (DUN) seats from 82 to 99 is a necessary step forward in line with Sarawak's development trajectory and institutional needs. Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How said the move reflects principles of good governance, and is consistent with Sarawak's ongoing efforts to strengthen legislative capacity in increasing its administrative, legislative and fiscal autonomy. 'The rationale behind the (Dewan Undangan Negeri [Composition of Membership]) Bill—particularly the increase in electorate numbers and the need for more effective representation—was well-argued. 'However, the reference to Sarawak's accelerated pace of development since 2014 understated the scale of the state's progress and financial achievements over the past decade,' he said when debating the Bill during a sitting at the DUN Complex today. He viewed the proposed increase of seats as timely, describing it as a 'vital institutional reform to support the demands of modern governance'. See said it would enhance the DUN's ability to respond to Sarawak's development needs, particularly in relation to devolution under the Malaysia Agreement 1963, and improve public accountability. He referenced international examples such as Singapore, which has 99 Members of Parliament serving a significantly smaller land area, to illustrate how Sarawak—with its vast geographical spread—requires adequate legislative representation. 'However, land size alone should not be the sole determining factor in setting legislative composition. 'However, a more representative assembly would allow for the strengthening of democratic processes, including the formation of parliamentary select committees to scrutinise government actions and policies,' he said, adding that these committees were essential for transparency, oversight and promoting accountability in public administration. 'Thus, I hope that in tandem with the increase in elected members, the assembly would soon consider legislation to expand the number of members appointed to the State Cabinet to better reflect the composition and workload of the legislature.'
Borneo Post
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Wong: Increasing DUN seats to 99 ensures fairer representation for all Sarawakians
Wong debates the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2025. – Penerangan Photo 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.
Barnama
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Assembly Seat Expansion In Sarawak To Reflect Demographic Shifts
KUCHING, July 7 (Bernama) -- The 82-seat composition of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly is no longer adequate to meet the evolving needs of the state's growing population," said Chieng Jin Ek (GPS–Bukit Assek). He described the structure as outdated, noting that it was last revised in 2014. 'The demands of the people, constituency workloads, and policy complexities have all grown significantly. 'Many assemblymen, particularly those representing large or densely populated constituencies, are overstretched in their efforts to serve tens of thousands of voters across vast areas,' he said during the debate on the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill 2025 at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly sitting here today. The bill, tabled by Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, seeks to increase the number of elected representatives from 82 to 99. Abdul Karim said the proposed expansion is intended to reflect demographic shifts, ongoing urban development, and the growing need for balanced and fair representation across the state. Supporting the bill, Kennedy Chukpai Ugon (GPS-Murum) noted that the proposed increase aligns with Sarawak's vast geographical landscape, which includes many sparsely populated rural areas. 'Historically, rural communities have faced difficulties in having their voices heard in the legislative process, often overshadowed by more urban constituencies,' he said. Christopher Gira Sambang (GPS-Tamin) added that the bill embodies the principles of equitable development and effective governance.
Malaysiakini
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
S'wak tables bill to increase state assembly seats from 82 to 99
The Sarawak government today tabled the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill 2025, proposing to increase the number of elected representatives in the state assembly from 82 to 99. The bill, tabled by Sarawak tourism, creative industry and performing arts minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, aims to reflect demographic changes, urban expansion, and the growing need for equitable representation in the state.
