KUCHING: Sarawak’s proposed increase in the number of State Legislative Assembly (DUN) seats from 82 to 99 may not be implemented in time for the next state election, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said although the Sarawak Legislative Assembly has passed legislation to increase the number of seats, the delineation process remains under the jurisdiction of the Election Commission (EC).
“We acknowledge and accept the EC’s decision because it is under the EC’s authority. Although the state has passed legislation to add 17 seats, the process must be handled by the EC,” he said.
He said this when met by reporters after attending the handover ceremony of an allocation for the construction of the Sri Satok Senior Citizens Activity Centre (PAWE) at the Pusat Kebajikan Datuk Amar Hajah Juma’ani, here today (July 5).
Abang Johari said the process includes stages of public display and consultation, allowing for objections and feedback before the EC finalises its recommendations.
“The process takes about six to seven months. Therefore, we accept the EC’s decision because elections are a democratic process and must follow the legal framework under the EC.
“If the timeframe is very tight, we will see when the election is due and when our mandate expires, and then assess the situation.,” he said.
Asked whether the new 99-seat configuration would be ready before the next state election, Abang Johari said the timeline could be too tight.
“There is a possibility that there may not be enough time. It is not an issue — whether there are 82 seats or 99 seats,” he explained.
He stressed that the focus of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) administration remains on political stability and continuity in the state’s development agenda.
“Even with 82 seats, we can still win big. What matters is political stability and the direction of our development agenda. I believe we have carried out our responsibilities as best as possible.
“Although there are many things that I did not promise in the manifesto, I have implemented them. The only one that was promised is free education. While others talked loudly about it, we quietly went ahead and delivered it.
“This benefits parents with children and also benefits young people and their future,” he said.
On speculation over the timing of the next state election, Abang Johari declined to provide a clear indication, saying only: “Wait for the moon to shine brightly (tunggu bulan terang).”
