By Amanda L
KUCHING, Nov 24: Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang called on all members of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly to support the Constitution of the State of Sarawak (Amendment) Bill 2025, describing it as essential to building a modern and proportionate State Cabinet.
According to him, the amendment is a necessary step towards forming a Cabinet that aligns with Sarawak’s expanding governance responsibilities and long-term development direction, and it seeks to empower the State to determine the structure, size, and composition of its own Cabinet.
“The increase in the number of State seats from 82 to 99 requires a corresponding expansion of the Executive to ensure governance remains effective.
“A larger Legislature representing a more complex and diverse society must be matched by a Cabinet that can deliver with focus, efficiency and sectoral expertise,” he said while debating the bill, which was tabled by Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abang Abdul Karim, at the Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
He noted that Sarawak now manages broader and more sophisticated portfolios, including digital economy transformation, green energy development, high-value industries, foreign investment facilitation, enhanced autonomy under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and sustainability governance aligned with global climate frameworks.
Wilson also raised concern over the current workload of several ministers, which he said is overburdening them.
“Many ministers are now overseeing two or more vastly different portfolios. This is unsustainable and will weaken policy focus, slow implementation and dilute accountability,” he said.
He added that the amendment is intended to future-proof governance and strengthen institutional capacity in line with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“By supporting this bill, Sarawak will be better equipped with the right structure, talent and institutional capacity to ensure effective leadership and delivery across all sectors,” he stressed. — DayakDaily
