This morning I had the privilege to table the proposed Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2025 at the special sitting session held at our DUN Building, Petra Jaya in Kuching. It has been passed and it will pave the way for an increase in the number of state constituencies from the existing 82 to 99.
In tabling the new bill, I have said the expansion is vital to reflect Sarawak’s fast changing demographic landscape, rapid urban development, and increasing demand for equitable representation. In my speech, our state assembly must continue to remain dynamic and responsive to the demographic shift and development, and to the growing demand for more equitable representation. I have also mentioned in the winding up speech that this is not merely a matter of numbers. It is about ensuring that Sarawakians are well represented and well served. It is a constitutional exercise done in the spirit of justice.
Alhamdullilah, the Bill which was well received by 80 out of the 82 members of the August House, which will repeal the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Ordinance, 2014.
Once gazetted, the new composition will take effect on a date to be determined by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri and is expected to be implemented in the next state election. The Election Commission (EC) will subsequently undertake a redelineation exercise to define the 17 new constituencies. The delineation of electoral boundaries remains the sole responsibility of the EC, an independent body appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in consultation with the Conference of Rulers.
The special sitting had seen 31 elected representatives participate in the debate, with the Bill’s passage marking another chapter in Sarawak’s constitutional evolution to strengthen the people’s representation in which we are undertaking this to ensure Sarawak continues to move forward fairly, inclusively, and in accordance with the Constitution.
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