By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Mar 23: Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) has raised concerns that the proposed expansion of Sarawak’s State Legislative Assembly from 82 to 99 seats could increase public spending without improving governance, representation or public services.
PBK President Voon Lee Shan criticised calls for federal approval of the seat increase.
According to him, no transparent studies, independent reports or empirical evidence have been provided to demonstrate that enlarging the legislature would improve governance or service delivery.
The party highlighted the financial implications of adding seats, pointing to rising salaries, allowances, pensions, and lifelong benefits for lawmakers.
In addition, Voon questioned why politicians can qualify for pensions after a short term in office, while ordinary civil servants must dedicate decades to secure similar benefits.
PBK also argued that increasing the number of lawmakers does not automatically lead to better governance.
“In Malaysia’s parliamentary system, major decisions are shaped and finalised by the executive, with the assembly often acting as a rubber stamp,” he said, citing reports of lawmakers sleeping during debates as evidence that mere numerical expansion does not address the core issues.
Voon warned that the proposed increase sends the wrong signal amid rising living costs, economic uncertainty, and urgent development needs.
He concluded by calling for reforms based on transparency, fiscal discipline, and evidence-based planning rather than expanding the political class at public expense. — DayakDaily
