Batu Kitang rep slams Sarawak DAP's refusal to support DUN seat hike Bill

Borneo Post

09-07-2025

Dato Lo Khere Chiang
KUCHING (July 9): Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang has likened the Sarawak DAP's refusal to support the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Members) Bill 2025 to 'wanting to climb a mountain but refusing to take the first step.'
Lo explained that the Bill, which was passed by the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) on Monday despite objections from Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen and Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong, lays the groundwork for Sarawak government to justify more parliamentary seats in the future.
'Chong Chieng Jen cannot say he wants more parliamentary seats and then vote against the one Bill that strengthens the state's case for it.
'That is like wanting to climb a mountain but refusing to take the first step,' he said in a statement.
He stressed that the Bill is not just about numbers, but represents a vital institutional reform — a move to modernise Sarawak's legislature in line with its growing autonomy, responsibilities, and development scale.
Lo said the Bill is also about justice, autonomy, and restoring what was promised under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
'It's about ensuring that Sarawak's voice, especially in our remote and rural areas is heard clearly, loudly, and fairly,' he added.
'With more ADUNs (state assemblypersons), we can expand our legislative functions, including Select Committees to scrutinise Ministries and statutory bodies, improve public accountability, and enhance service delivery.'
Lo argued that if Singapore can have 99 MPs, then Sarawak — with its vast landmass, scattered populations, and complex needs — deserves the same.
'How do we restore Sarawak's one-third representation in Parliament if we don't first increase our voice in our own Dewan? How can we demand fairness in Putrajaya when we won't even give ourselves fairer representation in our DUN?'
'Chong says: 'Table the increment in Parliament and we'll support it.' But who controls Parliament? Not Sarawak. Not GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak). The federal government does. And DAP is part of it.
'If Chong and Violet are so committed, where is the Bill? Where is the motion? Where is the pressure on the Election Commission?
'The people of Sarawak are not fools. They can see through this political tap dance.'