KUCHING: The proposed increase in Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) seats from 82 to 99 is a necessary structural adjustment to ensure fair and effective representation across the state’s vast landscape, says PRS Youth chief Christopher Gira Sambang.
Christopher expressed firm support for the proposal, referring to remarks by Deputy Speaker of DUN Datuk Idris Buang, who confirmed that the resolution which was already passed at the state level, is now pending federal approval.
Christopher, who is the assemblyman for Tamin, said the move reflects the realities faced by constituencies in Sarawak, where geographical size and scattered rural populations pose significant challenges in service delivery.
He cited Tamin as a case in point, noting that the constituency spans numerous longhouses and rural settlements located far apart from one another.
Among the pressing issues are road access that still requires upgrading, the need for clean water supply and basic infrastructure, as well as long travel distances to effectively reach constituents.
“In such circumstances, the creation of an additional seat is not a political luxury — it is a practical necessity to ensure rural communities are not disadvantaged by the sheer size of their constituency,” he said.
He pointed out that the resolution to increase the number of seats has already been passed by the Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak, and the next step now requires approval by Parlimen Malaysia.
Christopher added that if the review conducted by the Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya Malaysia was thorough and professional, there should be no reasonable grounds for delay.
He called on Members of Parliament, particularly those from Sarawak, to place the interests of the people above political differences and grant the necessary approval for balanced development.
“The increase in seats is a structural adjustment, not an excessive demand. This is not merely about numbers. It is about ensuring every voice in the rural heartlands is heard,” he said.
