THE Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2025, which seeks to increase the number of state seats from 82 to 99, was passed during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) one-day special sitting today.
The Bill was tabled by Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and debated by 29 lawmakers before it was passed.
Speaking at a press conference after delivering his winding-up speech, Abdul Karim said the next step now lies with the Election Commission (EC).
“The single Bill that we tabled today to increase the number of Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) seats from 82 to 99 has successfully been debated, deliberated and passed.
“Now, it is up to EC to determine where the new seats will be located. It will also have to go through Parliament for endorsement,” he said.
He expressed hope that the new seat distribution can be implemented in time for the next state election, subject to the delineation exercise by the EC.
He stressed that the state government’s role was to approve the increase, and this has been done.
“What we hope to see now is the endorsement of the increase from 82 to 99. The next job is for EC. They have been entrusted to carry out the delineation,” he added.
Asked if there is a timeframe for the EC to complete the process, Abdul Karim said he was not certain if the Commission was required to do so within a specific period, adding that it was up to the EC to carry out the task.
“But it is for us to give notice to EC that DUN has passed the Bill, and it’s now for them to do their part,” he said.