KUCHING: Will the proposed increase of Sarawak’s state seats from 82 to 99 come to being before the next state election is called?
Academics say the move presents both opportunity and uncertainty, hinging on legal timelines and political decisions.
The move follows the passing of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (Composition of Membership) Bill 2025, paving the way for 17 additional seats pending completion of redelineation processes.
Prof Dr Novel Lyndon, from the Centre for Development, Social and Environment at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, described the proposal as significant but cautioned that timelines remain tight.
“The proposed increase from 82 to 99 state seats is a landmark development for Sarawak’s democratic landscape, but timelines and political prerogatives create complexity,” he explained.
He said that once the bill is passed, responsibility shifts to the Election Commission to carry out redelineation, with parliamentary approval and royal assent required before dissolution.
“Completing delineation before the next election is tight but legally possible, provided all constitutional steps are fulfilled before the Sarawak Legislative Assembly is dissolved,” he added.
Novel outlined that the process follows strict constitutional procedures under the Thirteenth Schedule, involving multiple stages that could affect the overall timeline.
“The process includes preparation, public display, objections, local inquiries, and final reporting, with each stage requiring thorough evaluation and adherence to constitutional requirements,” he said.
He stressed that if the process is not completed before election writs are issued, the election must proceed using the existing 82-seat configuration without partial implementation.
“Legal certainty must prevail. Elections will proceed using the current map to avoid constitutional disputes or challenges over unapproved boundaries,” he emphasised.
According to him, political considerations may influence timing, particularly whether the state government opts to wait for new seats or call elections earlier.
“The Premier’s prerogative plays a critical role. Timing decisions may depend on whether new seats are seen as advantageous or if current political momentum is preferred,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Ammar Redza Ahmad Rizal, from the Centre for Media and Communication at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, expressed scepticism over whether redelineation can be completed before the next election.
“I believe the timeframe is rather short, with less than two years available, and we may not see the new seats implemented before the upcoming state election,” he said.
He highlighted that procedural requirements, particularly public engagement and local inquiries, are likely to extend the timeline significantly.
“The need for two rounds of public display and inquiries involving objections could take more than a year, especially if there are disputes,” he explained.
Dr Ammar also cautioned against rushing the process, warning it could lead to perceptions of political manipulation rather than a fair redelineation exercise.
“If conducted abruptly, the public may perceive the process as politically motivated rather than a genuine effort to ensure fair representation,” he added.
He agreed that if redelineation is incomplete, elections will proceed using the existing seat structure, maintaining continuity and legal compliance.
“The election will proceed based on current allocations, ensuring stability and avoiding complications arising from incomplete delineation processes,” he said.
On political influence, he noted that while the Election Commission is a federal body, there remains potential for external pressures affecting timelines.
“There is a possibility of federal involvement hastening the process, but there are no guarantees as the commission operates under established procedures,” he said.
Separately, Professor Madya Dr Mazlan Ali, Director at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, said the redelineation process is governed by constitutional provisions allowing up to two years for completion.
“The Election Commission has until July 2027 to complete the study, making it possible that the new seats will not be implemented in the next election,” he said.
He explained that Sarawak’s geographical size and demographic complexity could further slow down the process compared to other regions.
“The process is time-consuming, involving multiple stages such as preliminary studies, public notices, local investigations, and final reporting before approval and gazettement,” he noted.
Dr Mazlan reiterated that if the process is not completed in time, elections will continue using the current 82-seat configuration established previously.
“The proposed 17 additional seats will not be included if redelineation is incomplete, and the election will proceed under the existing boundaries,” he said.
He emphasised that the Election Commission remains an independent body, although political factors may still play a limited role in influencing timelines.
“The commission operates independently, but some degree of political influence may exist, though procedures must still be followed strictly,” he said.
Dr Mazlan added that proceeding with elections before completion of redelineation would not undermine democratic principles, as long as constitutional processes are respected.
“All parties must respect the commission’s independence. However, completing delineation before elections would benefit Sarawakians through improved representation,” he added.
