KUCHING: Kuching South City Hall’s (MBKS) Councillor Eric Tay has called on the federal government to expedite the necessary parliamentary procedures following the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly’s (DUN) passage of a resolution to create 17 additional state seats.
Tay stressed that since the DUN had already completed the voting process within the constitutional framework, the federal government should table the matter in Parliament without further delay as a sign of respect for Sarawak’s legislative authority.
He noted that the addition of new seats is not merely a matter of constituency delineation but directly concerns the representation of the Sarawak people and the efficiency of governance within the legislature.
According to the press statement released today (Mar 8), as population distribution and regional development continue to evolve, a reasonable increase in seats is essential to ensure the democratic system keeps pace with the times.
He expressed agreement with Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah’s recent remarks that the Sarawak DUN is a dignified and authoritative institution representing the will of the people.
“In the Westminster system, resolutions passed by the Sarawak DUN represent the voice of the people of Sarawak and should not be taken lightly,” Tay said.
He explained that once the DUN passes a motion to increase seats, the matter must be tabled in Parliament for recognition before the Election Commission proceeds with detailed delineation based on population, geography and electoral balance.
He also emphasised that decisions made by Sarawak within its own authority should not be conflated with issues from other regions, and that relevant procedures should proceed according to the system without unnecessary delays.
Drawing a broader perspective, he pointed to the current volatile international climate – including tensions in the Middle East and friction between Iran and the United States – as a reminder that stability must be built upon respect for institutions and internal unity.
“When institutions are respected and procedures upheld, society can maintain stability and order; conversely, when institutions are ignored or delayed, tensions can easily be amplified,” he warned.
Tay reiterated that since the Sarawak DUN has already passed the resolution, related procedures should not be delayed any further.
He expressed hope that the federal government will act swiftly so that the 17 additional seats can be implemented, strengthening Sarawak’s political representation and reflecting due recognition of Sarawak’s status and rights within the federal system.
