BETONG: The Election Commission (EC)’s statement that there is currently no proposal to increase Sarawak’s parliamentary constituencies does not contradict the federal government’s decision in principle to increase Sarawak and Sabah representation.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the difference was due to the proposal still being at an earlier stage of the process.
“It does not contradict. It does not contradict, according to the process,” he said during a press conference after officiating at the Sarawakku Sayang programme here today (Sept 26).
Abang Johari said the government had decided that if there was an increase, the number of additional seats would be determined, but the matter first had to be brought to Parliament.
He said the process would then involve displaying the proposed boundaries, allowing objections and subsequently displaying the boundaries again.
“The Election Commission chairman said they have not received it because the process has not started,” he said.
Abang Johari said the matter had not yet been approved by Parliament.
“It has not been approved by Parliament yet. So wait,” he said.
He said the EC’s statement should therefore be viewed in the context of the established process for increasing parliamentary constituencies.
Abang Johari said the government’s decision would still have to go through the necessary parliamentary and electoral processes before any changes could take effect.
He also acknowledged that recent statements on the issue might appear different.
“For me, there is no contradiction. There is no contradiction,” he said.
Abang Johari stressed that the important thing was for the process to be followed properly.
