My comments on our approaching state election & on the news of public display of new electoral map

The news on Election Commission's (EC) present follow up actions on the proposed redelineation of 17 new state constituencies had created some kind of excitement among local folks but such efforts may not be completed in time for the coming Sarawak state election scheduled sometime at the end of the year.

Our local media friends seek my comments on this matter and I have mentioned on the time consuming procedures that included the public display of the proposed electoral map and its subsequent endorsement by Parliament.

At this time when our state election is approaching, the EC has finally issued a notice on the proposed redelineation. For me, this should have been done months ago and my question was whether the process can be done in time for the 17 new seats to be included in the forthcoming election.

Netizens had earlier on commented on the alleged leaked EC letter seeking space from local authorities to display its proposed redelineation of state constituencies. The letter had included an appendix listing 17 new state seats and 10 renamed seats.

It was a well known fact our Sarawak Legislative Assembly's current term is due to end in February 2027 unless it is dissolved earlier, after which the election must be held within 60 days.

However, the public display exercise of the proposed redelineation could take two or three months, with more time required if objections are raised, before it can be tabled in Parliament for approval. My question was...can all these statutory procedures be completed by February at the latest?

Even though it is a good effort by the EC, I have my reservations about whether the 17 new seats can be contested in the coming election. The EC should have begun the redelineation process immediately after the state assembly passed the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill in July last year to increase the number of elected representatives from 82 to 99.

Our government and Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, has its own plans and timing for the state election...we should not have to wait for the EC to decide when to dissolve the state assembly.