KAPIT: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is seeking to propose a total of four new Sarawak State Assembly (DUN) seats.
The proposal for the four new seats will involve three parliamentary constituencies, namely Kanowit, Kapit, and Ulu Rejang, according to GPS secretary-general Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
“We have discussed among our GPS representatives for quite a number of times and agreed that four new seats will be proposed.
“The three parliamentary constituencies (Kanowit, Kapit and Ulu Rejang) have a very huge area, hence the reason why we propose four new seats within that particular constituencies.
“But it is up to the Election Commission of Malaysia (EC) later,” he said when met by reporters after attended the Leaders with the People event and launching of the Madani village adoption project at Nanga Engkuah Longhouse yesterday (May 13).
Nanta, who is also Works Minister and Kapit MP, said the discussion also touched on the size of the area under the Kanowit, Kapit and Ulu Rejang parliamentary constituencies, and the population in the areas.
“Once the new seats are set up, we hope that those being elected to become representatives will provide the best services to the people in the area,” he added.
Recently, Premier and GPS chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak is considering a review of the state seats this year.
He said the proposal included establishing state seats with mixed demographics to ensure representations from various ethnic groups.
In January, EC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Ghani Salleh, announced that the commission was studying the feasibility of conducting a review of all electoral boundary delimitation matters in Sarawak.
Sarawak’s electoral boundaries were last reviewed in 2016, resulting in the addition of 11 state seats. With a total of 82 state seats, Sarawak holds the highest number in comparison to its 31 parliamentary seats.
