By Amanda L
KUCHING, June 29: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) information chief Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has expressed disappointment over Parliament’s delay in endorsing Sarawak’s proposed 17 new State constituencies.
According to him, the delay meant there was now only a “very slim chance” the additional constituencies would be implemented in the coming Sarawak election, given the limited time before the State polls must be held by the end of the year.
“Given the tight time constraints, this was expected. We are entering July with only a few months left, and Sarawak must hold its State election before the end of the year.
“The 17 new seats passed in the State Legislative Assembly (DUS) have not yet been endorsed by Parliament.
“There is now a very slim chance of this being completed before the forthcoming State Election,” he told reporters after the closing night of the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2026 at the Sarawak Cultural Village on Sunday (June 28).
Asked whether he was disappointed as the minister who had tabled the motion in the DUN, Abdul Karim did not hide his frustration.
“I am deeply disappointed because the proposal was overwhelmingly approved by the State Legislative Assembly (DUS), reflecting the clear will of the people through their elected representatives.
“It should have been endorsed by Parliament, as a simple endorsement is all that is required,” he said.
He pointed out that Parliament had convened three times since the motion was passed in the DUS, yet the proposal had still not been brought forward for endorsement.
“I have to admit I’m not very happy about it.
“We are practising federalism. If something requires Parliament’s endorsement, then it should be endorsed.
“Parliament, especially the minister responsible for law, should view it from that perspective. It should not be politicised,” he stressed.
Abdul Karim, who is also Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP), stressed that the proposal involved only State constituencies and would not affect Sarawak’s parliamentary seats.
He also noted that the DUS has no authority to amend or propose parliamentary constituencies, as such powers rest solely with Parliament. — DayakDaily
