DUN Speaker: Bill tabled to increase number of seats amid voter surge, geographic challenges
KUCHING (July 5): A sharp rise in voter numbers, combined with the vast size of Sarawak's constituencies and challenging terrain, has prompted the state government to propose increasing the number of elected members in the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN).
DUN Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar said the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2025 will be tabled during a one-day sitting on July 7.
He said the proposed increase is necessary to reflect demographic shifts and address the logistical difficulties of serving remote areas.
'Since 2014, much water has passed under the bridge. The lowering of the voting age to 18 has triggered a sudden and staggering increase in the number of voters.
'There is an increase in the expectations of the people and voters, creating a new scenario for leaders and elected representatives.
'The sheer sizes of both parliamentary and state constituencies in Sarawak are gargantuan. This is exacerbated by difficult terrain and nightmarish logistics,' he said at a press conference held at Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) headquarters here today.
Asfia said the DUN currently has 82 elected members.
The last increase was in 2014, when the number of seats rose from 71 to 82.
Earlier increases were in 2005 (from 62 to 71) and 1995 (from 56 to 62).
The proposed Bill will be tabled by Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
'First, second, and third readings will all take place on July 7.
'Government backbenchers and Opposition members can debate the Bill during this sitting,' said Asfia.
The meeting will begin at 9am at the DUN Chambers, Level 8 of the DUN building.
He added that the last review of seat composition was more than eight years ago, in line with Article 113(2)(ii) of the Federal Constitution, which allows for such reviews after a minimum interval of eight years.
On allegations of gerrymandering, Asfia dismissed concerns and explained the origin of the term.
'The delineation in Sarawak does not make N26 Gedong, which is the Premier's constituency, the shape of a salamander,' he said, referring to the historical example of Governor Eldridge Gerry's redistricting in 1812 Massachusetts.
'The Premier can win hands down in N26 Gedong without changing the constituency. The delineation is done by the Election Commission, not the DUN or the state government,' he added.
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