DAP rep claims Sarawak's 17-seat increase is ‘gerrymandering' in disguise
Yong argued that the move fails to address pressing issues faced by the rakyat, such as high cost of living, poor infrastructure and lack of basic amenities.
'At a time when many Sarawakians are struggling with the rising cost of living, inadequate roads, no electricity, no clean water supply, and poor access to basic services, the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government has chosen to prioritise adding more politicians instead of addressing the people's real needs,' she said during the debate on Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2025 today.
Yong further questioned the justification for the increase, noting that while voter numbers had grown significantly due to automatic voter registration and Undi18, the surge was concentrated in urban and semi-urban areas.
'But does this justify a sudden 20 per cent jump in state seats? The answer is a resounding no, because the increase in voters is not evenly spread
'It is concentrated in urban and semi-urban areas, where people are migrating for jobs, education, and opportunities. Yet, this Bill does absolutely nothing to address their underrepresentation,' she said.
Yong accused the government of manipulating the system under the guise of 'representation,' claiming that the proposal 'once again favours rural areas' rather than redrawing boundaries to reflect demographic realities, a move she called illogical and unfair.
She also raised concerns about unequal voter representation across constituencies.
'In my own constituency, Pending, there are nearly 30,000 voters. Gedong, a rural seat, has less than 10,000. Yet both elect one ADUN (state assemblyperson),' she said.
Yong claimed the seat expansion was politically driven, noting that during the redelineation exercise in 2015, most new seats went to Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), a pattern she believes is likely to repeat.
'Let's call it what it is: GPS is adding new seats only where it can win, not where they're actually needed based on voter numbers. This is gerrymandering dressed up as reform,' she said.
She also warned of the financial burden, saying millions would be spent on salaries, facilities and operations while many rural communities still lack clean water and electricity.
Yong concluded by questioning the silence of Sarawak's GPS federal ministers on the matter and called for more meaningful reforms.
'What have our five federal ministers from Sarawak GPS done in Parliament to fight for more parliamentary seats for Sarawak? Why is there no visible push from them to demand what is rightfully ours?' she asked. — The Borneo Post
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
6 hours ago
- The Sun
Sarawak electoral boundaries under EC jurisdiction, not state government
KUCHING: The redrawing of electoral boundaries in Sarawak following the addition of 17 new seats is entirely under the purview of the Election Commission (EC), said Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. He clarified that neither Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), the state government, nor the State Legislative Assembly has any influence over the process. 'GPS, this august House or the state government of the day, has no say whatsoever on the redelineation of the new 17 seats, as it is entirely the prerogative of the EC,' Abdul Karim stated during the debate on the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill 2025. His comments came in response to opposition concerns after the bill was passed, increasing the number of elected representatives from 82 to 99. Abdul Karim emphasised the EC's independence, noting its members are appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong after consulting the Conference of Rulers. 'Accusing the state government or this House of gerrymandering undermines those appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. It is the EC that will conduct this exercise,' he added. Following the session, Abdul Karim confirmed the Sarawak government will formally notify the EC of the bill's passage but did not specify a timeline for the redelineation. 'That part is for the EC to do. I'm not aware of any set timeframe. Our role is to notify them that the State Legislative Assembly has passed the bill and now it is up to them to proceed,' he said. – Bernama
Free Malaysia Today
7 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Lawyer moots designated areas for peaceful assemblies
Lawyer Andrew Khoo said peaceful assemblies should be allowed and that the police should facilitate them as required by law. PETALING JAYA : A lawyer has proposed that the government designate areas for peaceful assemblies nationwide, following the Federal Court's decision yesterday that the penalty for failing to notify the police of proposed rallies is unconstitutional. Andrew Khoo, a former co-chair of the Bar Council's constitutional law committee, said the decision of the apex court affirmed the freedom to peacefully assemble. 'After 13 years of the coming into force of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, it is well past due for the state and federal governments to designate convenient and easily accessible places in every town and city in the country to hold peaceful assemblies,' he said in a statement. Khoo added that the proposed 'maidan' or public squares should be places where the voice of the people is heard, not feared. 'Maidan' is a term of Persian origin referring to designated open spaces where the public can gather and exercise their right to assemble. Khoo said peaceful assemblies should be allowed, and that the police should facilitate them as required by law. 'The proper legal recourse lies in the Penal Code for any violation of peace and order by the organisers or participants of the assembly,' he said. The Federal Court had unanimously ruled that it is unconstitutional to criminalise the failure to notify the police five days in advance of holding a peaceful assembly. Outgoing Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, delivering the decision of a five-member panel, said Section 9(5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 imposes a punishment that exceeds the limits permitted under Article 10(1)(b) of the Federal Constitution. Article 10(1)(b) guarantees the freedom of speech, assembly, and association. She said the section was 'a disproportionate intervention' and amounted to a prohibition rather than a restriction of that right. The decision stemmed from a constitutional challenge brought by former Muda secretary-general Amir Hadi, who was charged in 2022 with failing to give the police five days' notice before organising a protest outside the Sogo shopping complex in Kuala Lumpur. Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said yesterday that his ministry would examine the Federal Court's ruling. The ministry is expected to table an amendment to Section 11 of the Act, which requires organisers of assemblies to obtain the consent of the location's owner or occupier, at the next parliamentary sitting.
Free Malaysia Today
7 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Najib gave conflicting answers over source of funds, court told
SRC International is suing Najib Razak and former CEO Nik Faisal Ariff Kamil for wrongfully receiving company property, and dishonestly and wrongfully conspiring to convert company property for their own use. KUALA LUMPUR : A lawyer for SRC International Sdn Bhd told the High Court today that former prime minister Najib Razak gave conflicting answers when confronted about the source of money that entered into his accounts more than 10 years ago. Lead counsel Lim Chee Wee said Najib had, in his testimony under oath, given various versions of the source of funds that entered his accounts when cross-examined. Submitting at the close of the SRC International trial, Lim said Najib had, in an affidavit affirmed in 2015, claimed that a 'personal donation' of US$700 million and another sum of RM42 million originating from SRC International had been channelled into his account by Gandingan Mentari Sdn Bhd and Ihsan Perdana Sdn Bhd without his knowledge. 'He first said the affidavit was 'very badly drafted', and then he said the admission was based on 'allegations at that time'. 'He later said that he was 'misled' and backtracked to say it was the information he received. And another version was that he was misled by media reporting,' Lim said after the defence had closed its case. SRC International is suing Najib and former CEO Nik Faisal Ariff Kamil for wrongfully receiving company property, and dishonestly and wrongfully conspiring to convert company property for their own use. A judgment in default of appearance has been entered against Nik Faisal. The suit originally included former chairman Ismee Ismail, as well as former directors Suboh Yasin, Shahrol Azral Ibrahim Halmi, Azhar Osman Khairuddin and Che Abdullah @ Rashidi Che Omar, as co-defendants. SRC International later dropped the case against them. However, they were added as third parties by Najib. Lim also said Najib never informed his Cabinet about the RM42 million he allegedly received, and that he continued to helm decisions involving SRC International. 'It cannot be said that he was acting in the country's interest, or that his actions can be downplayed to mere recklessness,' he said. The hearing continues before Justice Ahmad Fairuz Zainol Abidin on Tuesday, with Najib's lawyer, Shafee Abdullah, submitting in his defence, followed by lawyers appearing for the various third parties.
