KOTA SAMARAHAN: The proposal to increase the number of Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) seats from 82 to 99 is currently awaiting approval at the Federal Parliamentary level, as provided for under the Federal Constitution.

Sarawak DUN Speaker Dato' Idris Buang stated that while the resolution has already been sanctioned at the state level, the final outcome now rests on the subsequent legislative processes in Putrajaya.

“Sarawak is experiencing significant growth in both population and developmental needs. Our territory is vast, and many rural areas are still in need of essential infrastructure such as roads, hospitals, and schools,” he said when met by the media on Sunday.

He further noted that increasing the number of elected representatives to 99 would ensure a more balanced distribution of development, creating a more comprehensive impact for the people.

Meanwhile, Dato' Idris stressed that there should be no reason for the proposal to be rejected, provided the study by the Election Commission of Malaysia (EC) was conducted professionally and thoroughly.

He added that the final decision requires sincerity and due consideration from Members of Parliament for the collective benefit of Sarawakians.

Addressing the possibility of a State Election (PRN) being held before the approval is secured, the Speaker clarified that if an election were called in the interim, it would still be contested based on the existing 82 seats.

“The timing and determination of the election remain at the discretion of the Sarawak Premier. It depends entirely on the considerations of the state’s top leadership,” he explained.

He concluded by noting that there is no external pressure on the state leadership to fix a date, whether they choose to wait for the additional seats to be approved or proceed otherwise.

The decision remains open and rests solely with the Premier. - UKASnews

Prepared by: Lonney Jinab Doris
Translator: Ryan Lim