THE proposed expansion of Sarawak’s State Legislative Assembly has prompted renewed calls to also reform the state Cabinet to better reflect current governance needs.
Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang said the increase in assembly seats from 82 to 99 must be matched by strengthening the executive branch to ensure effective administration and representation.
“In tandem with the proposed expansion of this August House, I believe it is timely for us to revisit the composition of the Sarawak Cabinet.
“If we are bold enough to increase the number of seats in this Dewan to better represent our people, then we must also be bold enough to strengthen the engine of government, our Sarawak Cabinet.
“The current constitutional cap of 10 ministers is an outdated legacy and it belongs to a time when Sarawak’s economy was simpler, our challenges narrower, and our global footprint smaller whereby that era is over,” he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.
With Sarawak now leading in renewable energy, he said the state needs a Cabinet structure that is equally dynamic and forward-looking, capable of operating with specialisation, agility, and clarity of mandate.
“To match these ambitions, we need a Cabinet structure that is equally dynamic and forward-looking, one that can operate with specialisation, agility, and clarity of mandate.
“The time has come as well to amend the Constitution to increase the number of ministers in Sarawak.
“This is not bureaucracy for the sake of bureaucracy. This is building a Cabinet that matches the vision of a modern, sovereign, and progressive Sarawak,” he said.
He added that such an amendment will also allow the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to establish more focused ministries, reduce overlapping jurisdictions, and improve executive efficiency.
On the proposed increase in state seats, Wilson said it was necessary to ensure fairer and more equitable representation, especially for Sarawak’s vast and remote constituencies.
“Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia, spanning over 124,000 sq km, yet we have only 82 assembly members compared to 56 in much smaller Selangor,” he pointed out.
He said many constituencies, particularly in the interior, are large and logistically challenging, requiring representatives to traverse rivers, hills, and forests to reach their constituents.
“With the rise in population and complexity of governance, the additional 17 seats will improve policy outreach, enable better service delivery, and foster more meaningful engagement between elected representatives and the people,” he said.
