By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, May 9: There is still no update on the implementation of the 17 new State seats in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS), even as questions arise over whether the new constituencies can be put in place in time for the upcoming Sarawak Election.
Responding to a question from reporters on the latest status of the new seats and their readiness ahead of the polls, DUS Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar said the matter has already been decided by the House and cannot be revisited.
He said the Bill on the 17 new State seats was passed during the previous sitting on July 7, 2025, and is therefore subject to Standing Order 32(3), which prevents any specific question already concluded by the Dewan from being reconsidered in the same session.
“Standing Order 32(3) states that it shall be out of order to attempt to reconsider any specific question upon which the Dewan has come to a conclusion during the current session except upon a substantive motion for rescission,” he said during a press conference held at Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) headquarters in Jalan Bako here today.
Asfia, however, said while the Election Commission (EC) is still within its constitutional timeframe to complete its duties, it must also take into account the approaching State election.
“Months have passed with no word whether the 17 new seats are in time for the election this year,” he added.
On the composition of the EC, Asfia claimed that the ruling coalition Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) does not have representation in the EC, aside from what he described as a lone Sarawakian member who is not from GPS.
He said GPS continues to function as “the voice of the voiceless” within such national institutions, adding that the EC should be more dynamic and responsive in carrying out its responsibilities. — DayakDaily
