By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, July 7: Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar today shut down Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong’s accusation of gerrymandering concerning constituency redelineation, asserting that such matters fall solely under the jurisdiction of the Election Commission (EC) and not the State government.
Delivering his ruling in the august House, Asfia cited multiple provisions under the Federal Constitution, including Article 113(2)(ii), Article 116, Article 117, and the 13th Schedule, Part 1, Section 2, which outline the procedures and principles for the review and division of Federal and State constituencies.
He emphasised that the authority to conduct redelineation lies solely with the EC, not the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS)-led government nor the Sarawak Legislative Assembly.
“This is my ruling,” Asfia stated firmly. “If you go against this, I will stop you because you are unconstitutional, going against the Federal Constitution.”
He explained that while considerations such as voter convenience, adherence to State boundaries, and administrative facilities are part of the process, a key principle enshrined in the Constitution is the recognition of rural weightage.
“Rural weightage is given and recognised by the Federal Constitution,” he asserted.
Earlier, Yong had raised concerns over the fairness and intent behind the proposed addition of new constituencies, accusing the ruling GPS of engaging in gerrymandering.
“Let’s call it what it is: GPS is adding new seats only where it can win, not where they’re actually needed based on voter numbers. This is gerrymandering dressed up as reform,” she alleged.
She questioned the disproportionate allocation of new seats, saying it prioritised political advantage over electoral fairness.
Asfia, however, ruled her question as going against the Constitution and cautioned that any further pursuit of the argument would be halted. — DayakDaily
