Sarawak Legislature seeks to increase State seats from 82 to 99

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, July 7: Sarawak is seeking to increase the number of elected representatives from the current 82 to 99 through the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill 2025, which also proposes to repeal the existing Dewan Undangan Negeri Composition of Membership Ordinance 2014.

Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, when tabling the Bill at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) during a special one-day sitting today, said the proposal is both reasonable and necessary due to the vast geographical expanse of Sarawak and the large areas some rural constituencies cover.

“It will enhance accessibility to governance and ensure that the needs and concerns of the rakyat are more efficiently and effectively addressed, and improve service delivery through leadership that is closer and more responsive to the rakyat,” he said.

Abdul Karim, who also serves as Sarawak Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development and Asajaya assemblyman, said the proposal is also in line with Article 113(2)(ii) of the Federal Constitution, which allows for a review of electoral boundaries after no less than eight years.

“The last redelineation exercise in Sarawak was carried out in 2015, a year after it was endorsed by this august House in 2014.

“Since then, there has been a significant increase in population and number of voters, especially after the minimum voting age was lowered from 21 to 18,” he added.

He stressed that the proposed increase would ensure that representation in the DUS remains fair and reflective of the current demographic landscape.

“The new composition will be implemented in time for the next State Election, during which voters will elect 99 representatives to this Dewan.

“I firmly believe that this Bill is both timely and essential. With our population steadily growing, new townships emerging, and the needs of our communities evolving, this change ensures that the Dewan remains responsive, relevant and ready to serve every corner of our beloved State with greater efficiency and inclusivity,” he emphasised.

The Bill was seconded by Minister in the Premier’s Department and Kakus assemblyman Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai. – DayakDaily

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