By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 14: Senator Abun Sui Anyit hopes that one of the 17 proposed new seats in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) will be allocated to either Belaga or Telang Usan, highlighting the need for fair and effective political representation for Sarawak’s remote interior regions.
Responding to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof’s recent remarks that the proposed increase to 99 DUS seats is timely, Abun Sui agreed that the move is justified, given Sarawak’s vast geography, ethnic diversity, and administrative demands.
“However, if geography is a key factor, then one of the new seats must be considered for Telang Usan or Belaga — both of which are among the largest and most logistically challenging areas in Sarawak,” he said in a statement yesterday (July 13).
He pointed out that Belaga alone spans over 19,400 square kilometres, larger than the combined area of Perlis and Melaka, yet is currently served by only one DUS seat, Belaga, with a small portion falling under Murum.
“This situation makes it very difficult for elected representatives to deliver comprehensive and effective services to residents scattered across mountainous terrain,” he added.
Abun Sui stressed that these areas, home to many Orang Ulu communities including the Kenyah, Kayan, Penan, Punan and Sekapan, have long faced underrepresentation due to their isolation and distance from administrative centres.
“These communities deserve stronger political representation so that their voices can be heard more clearly in the State Assembly and policymaking processes,” he said.
He also pointed out that the people of Belaga, who have made major sacrifices for the development of the Bakun and Murum hydroelectric dams, have long harboured hopes for the district to be elevated as Sarawak’s 13th administrative division.
Abun Sui expressed hope that the Election Commission (EC) and the Sarawak government will ensure the seat increase is not merely symbolic or politically driven, but instead reflects a genuine commitment to inclusivity and equity. — DayakDaily
