EC looking into Sarawak’s proposed 17 new State seats, says Minister

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, March 8: The Election Commission (EC) is currently looking into Sarawak’s proposal to increase the number of State Legislative Assembly seats, says Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud.

He said the matter has already been raised and is now under review by the EC, expressing hope that the process can be expedited.

“I think the Election Commission is looking into it, and we hope the process can be expedited.

“I do not want to comment much on it, but what is important is that we listen to the voices from Sarawak, especially on the need to increase the number of State seats.

“We hope the parties involved can speed up the process,” he told reporters during an iftar with Sarawak media at YS Cafe in Jalan Haji Mataim today.

He noted that any proposed redelineation must first be reviewed by the EC. The new boundaries will only take effect after the recommendations are approved by the Dewan Rakyat and the Redelineation Order comes into force upon receiving the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Any election held after the enforcement date would then use the newly established boundaries.

Last July, the Sarawak Legislative Assembly passed a Bill to increase the number of seats from 82 to 99, but the move requires approval from Parliament before it can take effect.

Meanwhile, Mustapha also expressed support for calls by Borneo lawmakers for Sabah and Sarawak to have one-third representation in Parliament.

He said the proposal is justified as increasing parliamentary seats in the two states would allow elected representatives to better serve the people and address development needs, especially given the vast geographical areas in both states.

“With additional parliamentary seats, we can further focus on safeguarding the welfare of the people in Borneo and accelerate the development of basic infrastructure,” he said.

However, he noted that population size in certain constituencies in Peninsular Malaysia must also be taken into account, as some areas have parliamentary seats with populations exceeding 300,000. — DayakDaily

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