By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Feb 23: The proposed increase in Sarawak’s State seats is not a political luxury but a practical necessity to prevent rural communities from being disadvantaged by the large size of their constituencies, said Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Youth Chief Christopher Gira Sambang.
In a statement, he cited his constituency, Tamin, as an example, as it covers numerous longhouses and rural settlements located far apart from one another.
He said challenges faced by his constituents include roads that need to be upgraded, clean water supply, basic infrastructure, and long travel distances.
“In such circumstances, the creation of an additional seat is not a political luxury—it is a practical necessity to ensure rural communities are not disadvantaged by the sheer size of their constituency,” he said.
He said this in regard to remarks by Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Deputy Speaker Dato Idris Buang, calling on Parliament to approve Sarawak’s State seat increase to enhance service delivery by elected representatives and promote more equitable development, particularly in rural areas.
“His statement reflects the true realities of Sarawak—a vast State with a growing population and significant rural development needs that require continuous attention,” said Gira.
At the same time, Gira said that PRS Youth calls on all MPs, especially those from Sarawak, to put aside their political differences and grant the approval needed to increase the number of State seats.
“Recognise that the increase in seats is a structural adjustment, not an excessive demand. Sarawak requires a representation framework that reflects its geographical and demographic realities.
“As the younger generation in leadership, PRS Youth stands firm in defending fair representation for the people of Sarawak. This is not merely about numbers—it is about ensuring every voice in the rural heartlands is heard.”
On July 7, 2025, DUS passed the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2025, marking the largest increase in seats in the State’s history, from 82 to 99.
The move aims to ensure fairer representation across Sarawak’s vast and diverse constituencies and aligns with the State’s broader aspirations under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) framework, which seeks one-third parliamentary representation for Sabah and Sarawak in the Dewan Rakyat.
Earlier, on Feb 18, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the proposed increase to 99 State seats is still awaiting endorsement from Parliament, which means the next Sarawak polls may still be contested under the existing 82-seat configuration. — DayakDaily
