Proposal to add 17 Sarawak state seats, approved by state assembly, awaits Election Commission review before parliamentary tabling.
KUCHING: The proposal to increase the number of Sarawak state seats remains under review by the Election Commission. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud (pic) confirmed the process is ongoing after state-level approval.
He expressed hope for an expedited review before the proposal reaches Parliament. “I do not wish to comment in detail, but what is important is to hear the voices from Sarawak,” Mustapha said when met by media at an event here.
The Sarawak State Legislative Assembly passed the relevant bill last July. It seeks to add 17 seats, raising the total number of state seats to 99.
Mustapha said increasing seats in Sabah and Sarawak allows greater focus on public needs. He highlighted expediting basic facilities like roads, water, and electricity in rural areas as a key benefit.
The move would let infrastructure issues in underdeveloped areas be examined more closely. This aims to enhance the wellbeing of people in the Borneo region, particularly in Sarawak.
He also emphasised the proposal for Sabah and Sarawak to have one-third parliamentary representation. According to him, this should be given attention to strengthen service delivery and accelerate development.
The increase in elected representatives would help improve service delivery and public wellbeing. “The increase in parliamentary seats will enable elected representatives to focus more on the needs of the people in Sabah and Sarawak, which cover a large geographical area,” he said.