KOTA SAMARAHAN: Parliament should give due and serious consideration to the request of expanding the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) seats in Sarawak.
DUN Deputy Speaker Datuk Idris Buang addressed concerns over the long delay pending proposal to increase Sarawak’s state constituency seats from 82 to 99.
The proposal, which was passed by the Sarawak Legislative Assembly last year, has yet to receive approval from Parliament.
Idris told the media this after officiating the Uptown Desa Ilmu Ramadan Bazaar 2026 today (Feb 22).
The Muara Tuang state assemblyman also argued that a greater number of elected representatives would ensure a more equitable spread of development across the state, particularly in rural areas still awaiting infrastructures such as good roads, hospitals and schools.
“There is no reason for Parliament to withhold approval.
“What is required is sincerity and honesty from our federal lawmakers. We call on Members of Parliament to consider this matter urgently,” he said.
When asked whether any further mechanisms were available should the matter remain unresolved, Idris confirmed that the DUN had already passed its resolution and that the process must now follow constitutional procedure.
He stressed that the federal Parliament ought not to obstruct what he characterised as a legitimate and well-considered request from Sarawak.
On the question of the timing of the next state election (PRN) and its correlation to the seat expansion, Idris said the decision rested entirely with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He noted that should the election be called before parliamentary approval is granted, it would proceed on the existing 82-seat basis.
“The Premier knows when the time is right.
“There is no pressure on him. The decision is his to make wisely, and he is free to decide whether to wait for the seat expansion or not,” he said.
