Assembly Seat Expansion In Sarawak To Reflect Demographic Shifts
He described the structure as outdated, noting that it was last revised in 2014.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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Barnama
an hour ago
- Barnama
UNRWA Warns Of Israeli Plan To Create 'Mass Internment Camps' In Southern Gaza
RAMALLAH (Palestine), July 15 (Bernama-WAFA) -- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) media advisor, Adnan Abu Hasna in Gaza, has raised alarm over Israel's reported plans to establish what it calls a "humanitarian city" in southern Gaza. Palestinian News and Information Agency (WAFA) reported that he warned that the initiative is essentially a blueprint for mass internment camps. In a press statement, Abu Hasna said Israel has long been laying the groundwork for such a plan through the establishment of aid distribution points in southern Gaza. 'Now, they are openly declaring their intent to forcibly displace the population of Gaza into collective detention camps in Rafah, as a prelude to their expulsion from Palestinian land,' he stated. He warned that this development signals Israel's continued commitment to the forced transfer of Gaza's population, expressing deep concern over the extreme pressure being applied to Palestinians. 'The total collapse of the healthcare system, absence of aid, and depletion of fuel are all being weaponised to coerce the population into voluntary displacement,' he said. He further cautioned that the so-called humanitarian zone is incapable of hosting Gaza's 2 million residents within just 60 square kilometres of devastated land, describing the area as uninhabitable and void of any semblance of life or future. Abu Hasna urged the international community to intervene immediately to halt what he described as a dangerous and deliberate attempt to forcibly displace Palestinians under the guise of humanitarian relief. -- BERNAMA-WAFA
Barnama
3 hours ago
- Barnama
MITI Urged To Step Up Anti-Corruption Engagement With Business Community
PUTRAJAYA, July 15 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) has been urged to intensify engagement with the business community and investors to gather feedback on corruption-related issues that could impact Malaysia's business and investment prospects. This reform strategy was among key priorities identified during the meeting of the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) Special Task Force chaired by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abdul Bakar here today. In a statement issued after the meeting, the Task Force said the engagement sessions should also involve the Special Task Force to Facilitate Business (PEMUDAH). Other priority reform strategies identified by the CPI Focus Group include fostering a culture of integrity and adopting technology to combat corruption, with local authorities (PBT) being positioned as role models for other municipal councils. 'The CPI Special Task Force, under the leadership of the Chief Secretary, remains fully committed to strengthening governance and anti-corruption efforts through a whole-of-government approach. 'The Task Force expressed hope that the strategic initiatives it is implementing will positively influence Malaysia's performance in future CPI rankings and bolster public and investor confidence in the nation's governance system,' the statement read. It also noted that Malaysia's performance in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking 2025 showed significant improvement, climbing 11 spots from 34th in 2024 to 23rd this year. 'The Bribery and Corruption indicator, which improved by 12 positions, also contributed to the overall rise in Malaysia's competitiveness ranking,' the statement added. The meeting today was attended by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki and members of the CPI Special Task Force.
Sinar Daily
4 hours ago
- Sinar Daily
Judicial appointments announcement expected tomorrow, says PM
He acknowledged delays and public unease over certain appointments but assured that all processes have been carried out fairly and transparently. 15 Jul 2025 08:39pm Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivers the closing keynote address at the Malaysia's International Conference on Governance and Integrity 2025, today. - Photo by Bernama PUTRAJAYA - An announcement regarding judicial appointments is expected tomorrow, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. He acknowledged delays and public unease over certain appointments but assured that all processes have been carried out fairly and transparently. "This morning, I had a lengthy discussion with the Conference of Rulers. "I think let them decide and tomorrow, hopefully, there will be an announcement that would clearly dispel the so-called negative perceptions,' he said in his speech at Malaysia's International Conference on Integrity and Governance here today. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, stressed that the Madani government fully upholds judicial independence and has not interfered in any court proceedings or decisions during his tenure. "…so I rest my case, and I hope when the announcement is made, things will prove that this government is committed to reform, including the principle of judicial independence,' he added. Anwar stressed that he has never submitted any 'compromise' candidates for top judicial positions to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, or to the Conference of Rulers. "Azalina (Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said) knows that, the Chief Secretary (Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar) also knows that there has never been a case where the names submitted were questioned or appeared to be compromised. Such names were never presented to the King or the Rulers "May I assure you now that in my two and a half years in office, I have not discussed with any judge (even) one case, not with the Chief Judge, not with any (of the) judges. I adhere to the principles of judicial independence,' he added. Anwar acknowledged ongoing concerns about the issue and the perception that several key judicial appointments may be compromised. "I can assure you that is not the case. I am sure my colleagues in the legal profession respect the fact that we must work based on the law and facts, not perceptions,' he said. The position of Chief Justice became vacant following the mandatory retirement of Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat and Court of Appeal President Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim, who both turned 66 on July 2 and 3, respectively. The Chief Justice position became vacant after Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat and Court of Appeal President Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim reached the mandatory retirement age of 66 on 2 and 3 July, respectively. - BERNAMA More Like This
