SARAWAK has proposed increasing the number of elected representatives in its State Legislative Assembly (DUN) to reflect population growth and ensure more equitable representation across constituencies.
Balingian assemblyman Abdul Yakub Arbi said said the move is necessary as Sarawak’s population continues to rise steadily, alongside rapid urban development.
“Each year, approximately 40,000 students sit for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, and many of them will become automatically registered voters when they turn 18 the following year.
“Without timely redelineation, these newly eligible voters will further congest constituencies that are already overburdened.
“The proposed increase in seats will help distribute representation more evenly and ensure that no voice is diluted in our democratic process,” he said.
He said this in his debate speech in support of Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill 2025,during the special DUN sitting today.
Abdul Yakub added that the Bill also plays a key role in strengthening public confidence in Sarawak’s democratic institutions.
“A redelineation exercise that is transparent, fair, and constitutionally grounded will restore and reinforce public trust in our electoral system.
“When voters feel fairly represented, they are more engaged and confident in their government — and that leads to greater political stability and legitimacy,” he added.
He also explained that the legal foundation for the Bill is clearly provided for under Article 14(1)(b) and Article 14(2) of the Sarawak State Constitution, which allows the number of elected members to be determined by state legislation without the need for a constitutional amendment.
“This means that the number of elected members in this assembly is not fixed by the Constitution itself, but is determined by state legislation — which can be amended by this House.
“Therefore, to increase the number of members, we do not need to amend the State Constitution. We need only to amend the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Ordinance [Cap. 70], which currently provides for 82 elected members.
“Each change was made through legislation passed by this assembly — a process that is both legitimate and consistent with the Constitution,” he said.
He added that the proposal is not about gaining political advantage but about keeping pace with Sarawak’s development, upholding the constitutional mandate, and ensuring equal representation for every Sarawakian, regardless of age or location.
“The Sarawak Legislative Assembly (Membership Composition) Bill 2025 is a necessary and forward-looking measure,” he said.
