Latest news with #SarawakStateConstitution
New Straits Times
07-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Sarawak tables Bill to increase state assembly seats from 82 to 99
KUCHING: A Bill to increase the number of seats in the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly from 82 to 99 was tabled today. Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who tabled the Bill, said the proposed increase is part of efforts to ensure fairer and broader representation for the people of the state. He said the proposal is in line with Article 14(1)(b) of the Sarawak State Constitution, which stipulates that the number of assembly members must be determined by law. "Currently, the number of state seats is governed by the Composition of Membership of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Ordinance 2014. "As the state's highest legislative institution, the Sarawak DUN must remain dynamic and responsive to the evolving needs of its people," he said when presenting the Bill during a special sitting of the State Assembly today. Abdul Karim said the Bill comes in response to demographic changes, urban expansion, and a rising number of voters, including young voters aged 18 and above, which necessitate a restructuring of representation. He noted that the number of DUN seats in Sarawak has been increased several times since the first state election in 1969, when the assembly, then known as the Majlis Negeri, had 48 seats. "The number was increased to 56 in 1985, then to 62 in 1995, 71 in 2005, and finally to 82 in 2014. "This proposed addition is both reasonable and necessary, especially in vast rural constituencies where a single assemblyman currently represents a geographically large area," he said. He added that the increase would enhance the public's access to their elected representatives, speed up service delivery, and ensure that local concerns and needs are addressed more effectively. "The proposal is also in line with Article 113(2)(ii) of the Federal Constitution, which allows for a review of electoral boundaries after an interval of not less than eight years. "The last delimitation exercise in Sarawak was carried out in 2015, and developments since then – including a surge in population and registered voters – make a review timely and highly relevant," he said. Abdul Karim added that if approved, the new ordinance would take effect on a date to be determined by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak, and the 2014 ordinance would be repealed.
Borneo Post
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Pelagus rep proposes state constitutional amendment to expand Sarawak Cabinet
Wilson noted that the current cap of 10 ministers was set during an earlier era of the state's development, when the scale and scope of governance were significantly smaller. – Information Department photo KUCHING (May 21): Wilson Nyabong Ijang (GPS – Pelagus) has proposed an amendment to the Sarawak State Constitution to allow for an increase in the number of ministers in the State Cabinet. Speaking during the debate on the Motion of Thanks for the Yang di-Pertua Negeri's opening address at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly today, Wilson urged for the proposal to be seriously considered, citing Sarawak's rapid development and the growing complexity of its governance responsibilities. He noted that the current cap of 10 ministers was set during an earlier era of the state's development, when the scale and scope of governance were significantly smaller. 'Today, with Sarawak playing a far more prominent role, not just within Malaysia but also on the global stage in areas such as green energy, digital transformation, education, infrastructure, and economic diversification, our governance structure must evolve accordingly. 'Expanding the number of Ministers would enable more focused portfolios, strengthen policy delivery, and enhance the overall administrative efficiency of the Sarawak government,' he said. He further emphasised that such a move is both timely and necessary to ensure Sarawak remains agile, responsive, and future-ready in managing its development agenda. constitutional amendment DUN lead sarawak cabinet wilson nyabong ijang
