Latest news with #legislativeassembly
Malay Mail
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Assembly seat expansion in Sarawak needed to match population growth, say GPS reps
KUCHING, July 7 — 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 He described the structure as outdated, noting that it was last revised in 2014.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. 'The addition of 17 new state seats represents a critical recalibration of our democratic structure. I sincerely hope this move will also lead to a corresponding increase in Sarawak's parliamentary seats in the near future,' he said. — Bernama
Malay Mail
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Sarawak state assembly to hold special one-day sitting on July 7; Premier to table undisclosed item
KUCHING, June 21 — A special one-day sitting of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) has been scheduled for July 7, according to a letter sighted by The Borneo Post. The letter, signed by DUN Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar, has been circulated to all assembly members. However, it does not disclose the agenda of the sitting, which is set to begin at 9am. When asked about it at an event here today, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said only that Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg would be 'tabling something' during the sitting, without providing further details. — The Borneo Post
