Appointing additional members to the Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri (MMKN) would allow ministerial portfolios to be allocated more effectively and ensure that key development sectors receive the focus and attention they require.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the amendment must be viewed in the context of the current composition of the MMKN, which now consists of the Premier and 10 ministers as provided under Article 6(3) of the State Constitution.
“With the number of constituencies increasing from 82 to 99 following the Members of Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Members) Ordinance, 2025, the present composition of the MMKN is no longer proportionate to the State’s expanding governance structure,” he said when presenting the Constitution of the State of Sarawak (Amendment) Bill, 2025 during the DUN sitting, here today (Nov 23).
He added that several ministers are currently shouldering multiple portfolios, resulting in heavier administrative responsibilities and wider sectoral demands.
“Therefore, an increase in the number of members of the MMKN is both reasonable and necessary. This measure will strengthen the State’s executive machinery, enhance policy coordination and ensure ministerial portfolios can be distributed evenly,” he said.
More importantly, he stressed that a larger Cabinet would allow the Sarawak government to respond more effectively to the needs of the people.
“It will enable the government to deliver services to the rakyat with greater focus and attention across all key sectors,” he said.
Abdul Karim also emphasised that the proposal is fully within the constitutional powers of the state.
“Under Item 7 of the State List in the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution, matters relating to the machinery of the state government fall within the purview of the state.
“It is justified for Sarawak to exercise its power to ensure it continues to serve the people effectively by having a proportionate and sufficient number of MMKN members,” he said.
He said the amendment seeks to strengthen the state’s executive capacity in line with its expanding constituency boundaries and growing responsibilities.
“I firmly believe that this amendment is both timely and essential,” he said.
Minister of Transport Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin seconded the Bill.
