KUCHING: The proposed addition of not more than four new members to the Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri (MMKN) is crucial to ensure the state's executive machinery remains balanced and functions effectively.

Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this proposed expansion would allow the line-up of Sarawak Cabinet Ministers to handle their respective portfolios more systematically.

He explained that this move is appropriate in view of the expansion of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) seats from 82 to 99 in July this year.

"The increase in DUN constituencies, coupled with the increasingly complex and broad administrative requirements, necessitates the MMKN composition being adjusted so that it is capable of addressing the growing workload.

"Current developments mean that several key portfolios are being handled concurrently, which subsequently affects the smoothness of policy focus and programme implementation.

"By increasing the number of MMKN members, the distribution of responsibilities can be made more strategic, policy monitoring can be enhanced, and every development sector can be given more comprehensive and efficient attention," he said.

He said this when tabling the Constitution of the State of Sarawak (Amendment) Bill, 2025 during the 19th Sarawak DUN Sitting on Monday.

Dato Sri Abdul Karim also emphasised this proposed amendment is carried out within the constitutional authority of the August House.

“Under Item 7 of the State List in the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution, matters relating to the “Machinery of the State Government” fall within the purview of the State,” he said.

For the record, the current MMKN composition presently consists of 11 members comprising the Premier of Sarawak and 10 Ministers. - UKASnews

Reporter: Maryam Zanariah Ibrahim
Translator: Ryan Lim
Photographer: Rais Sanusi