Tabling the proposed Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill

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.

Condolences to the right honourable Premier of Sarawak on demise of his beloved wife

Our folks together with others from all over the nation including leaders had extended their condolences to Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on the recent passing of his beloved wife, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang. All our thoughts are with the family of the deceased, and may they continue to be patient and steadfast. Together we pray that the soul of Allahyarmah may be forgiven of all sins and be granted a special place by Allah’s side.

Week-long "Brunei-Sarawak Arts Exhibition" at Borneo Cultures Museum in Kuching City

I have congratulated the Sarawak Artists Society who together with their counterparts from Brunei Negara Darulsalam for having jointly organised the inaugural “Brunei-Sarawak Arts Exhibition” at Borneo Cultures Museum (BCM) on 20 to 26 June. The theme for week-long exhibition is “Neighbours In Heart, Friendship In Arts”. The exhibition also brings together the creative works of 64 artists from Sarawak and Brunei who showcase 99 wonderful paintings that reflect identity, tradition and contemporary expression. Certainly another interesting event for our local folks to attend especially canvas arts and painting lovers. 

Support for the organising of programmes designed to empower underserved youths

I had another busy weekend for me and this morning I had the pleasure to represent our right honourable Premier of Sarawak the graduation ceremony for the “ASPIRE-Threads of Hope” programme. It is a wonderful community related initiative supported by Yayasan Hasanah of Kuala Lumpur in collaboration with the Brooke Trust. The program is designed to empower underserved youth, including those from rehabilitation and institutional schools such as Sekolah Henry Gurney, Tunas Bakti School Kuching and Taman Seri Puteri Kuching (TSP Kuching), through heritage-based skills training.

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Aspire Threads of Hope" is aptly a wonderful programme that showcases creative works of participants in local embroidery products namely “Keringkam” and “Kain Songket” as the medium for connection, storytelling, and community building, possibly with a focus on empowering youths. The theme of the programme suggests giving the participants hope and aspiration, interwoven with the intrinsic value of our local embroidery crafts and textile. 

The Brooke Heritage Trust is non-governmental organisation (NGO) which is dedicated to sharing Sarawak’s unique history and rich traditional heritage. It was originally founded to safeguard the Rajah Brooke family’s collection of papers and artefacts but it has evolved into a volunteer-led charity organization with a mission to share and explore the history and heritage of the Brooke dynasty in Sarawak. It has undertaken various community-related projects that engage, inform and inspire and encourage responsible care of our world.

Promoting our local artists and boosting creative industry through "Mercure Mural Fest & Arts Conference 2025" in Miri

The organising of the inaugural “Mercure Mural Fest and Arts Conference 2025” at Mercure Hotel in Miri on June 4 to 14 was much welcomed and commendable because it will promote our tourism attraction particularly in the Northern Region. I had the pleasure to have represented our right honourable Premier of Sarawak for the official opening ceremony held at Mercure Hotel in Miri. 

During the opening ceremony, I have commended the organisers for having attracted numerous entries for the event which had the theme "Beyond Art: Evolving in 50 Years,”. The event which involve global artists, the special needs community, and local residents is showcasing large-scale murals, installations, artist takeovers, talks, workshops, and rooftop parties. The staging of event which aims to envision Miri's future through arts has provided another good platform for our local artists and arts lovers to meet up in getting the latest updates of the arts scene.  

The Sarawak government is keen and committed to supporting the funding, infrastructure, and policy development that will nurture local mural artists and the growing creative industry, aiming to leave a lasting public arts legacy on the global stage and for our future generations to come.

The organising of the event in Miri is a good way of recognising the powerful impacts of mural art in revitalising the city and promoting cultural narratives through artistic impressions that aim to transforms blank walls into lively expressions of heritage, creativity and imagination. Indirectly it is able to ignite our local folks sense of pride and belonging while attracting visitors, and boosting the creative economy, benefiting both artists and related businesses alike.