KUCHING: Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen’s reasoning in opposing the proposed increase for state seats during the recent State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Special Sitting was unconvincing.
Youth chief of Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Kuching Branch Nicholas Wung Duk Ying said that Chong had repeatedly interrupted the debate and was eventually asked to leave the august House by DUN speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar.
“This incident has led some members of the public to question whether Chong was genuinely exercising his role of checks and balances or merely expressing personal opposition.
“Chong was visibly emotional during the debate, and as a seasoned Stampin MP and assemblyman, his conduct may not have fully reflected the composure expected of someone in his position,” he said in a statement.
Wung added that Sarawak’s last electoral boundary review was in 2015, with the current proposal to increase seats complies with Article 113(2)(i) of the Federal Constitution, which requires that electoral boundaries be reviewed at least once every eight years.
“GPS’ initiative to increase state seats is also seen as a step toward increasing parliamentary representation.
“Based on the basic ratio of two state seats to one parliamentary seat, Sarawak could potentially secure up to 49 parliamentary constituencies.
“Combined with Sabah’s seats, this could theoretically fulfill the goal of restoring the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which envisions Sabah and Sarawak holding one-third of the seats in Parliament, thus enabling a more effective check on federal power.
“This is a shared political vision of GPS leaders and the people of Sarawak,” he added.
He then said that the opposing stance taken by Chong and Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong has further drawn public attention.
Some even questioned whether their position truly reflects Sarawak’s broader interests, or whether it serves the political interest of others.
““Seat reallocation is not only a legal obligation, but also an opportunity to deepen democracy.
“The key lies in whether parliamentary seat reforms will follow, ensuring that Sarawak has the representation it deserves within the federal system,” he said.
