SIBU: Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang has called on the Election Commission (EC) to consider creating a new state constituency, Bukit Arip, under the Selangau parliamentary constituency as part of Sarawak’s proposed electoral boundary review.
In a statement Gira, who is Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Youth chief, welcomed the EC’s ongoing redelineation exercise but said the current proposal did not allocate any additional state seat to the Selangau parliamentary constituency.
He said the review was timely as it reflected population growth, regional development and the need to strengthen democratic representation and improve government service delivery.
However, he said Selangau, which comprises the Tamin and Kakus state constituencies, remained without a proposed additional state seat despite its large geographical area and dispersed population.
According to him, Selangau has 47,836 registered voters, comprising 24,383 in Tamin and 23,453 in Kakus, while covering more than 9,000 square kilometres with an estimated population of more than 80,000.
He added that Tamin consists of about 400 longhouses, while Kakus has about 350 longhouses, excluding villages and other settlements, making the parliamentary constituency one of the largest rural constituencies in Sarawak.
Gira proposed that the EC establish a new Bukit Arip state constituency by redrawing parts of the existing Tamin and Kakus seats.
He said the proposal was based on the need to improve representation for rural communities rather than political considerations, arguing that the EC should consider geographical size, population distribution, logistical challenges and rural development needs alongside the number of registered voters.
He referred to the EC’s letter dated June 25, 2026, notifying Resident and District Offices throughout Sarawak of the public exhibition of the proposed electoral boundary review.
Gira encouraged the public to support the proposal during the consultation process, expressing hope that the EC would give positive consideration to the recommendation in the interest of the constituency’s long-term development.
