KUCHING: Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Stakan chairman Datuk Sim Kiang Chiok has called for clear understanding and public awareness amid recent discussions on a possible redelineation exercise in Sarawak.
He said while there has been speculation that Sarawak could gain up to 15 new parliamentary and 17 new state seats, nothing official has been tabled.
“Any talk of redelineation remains speculative for now. What will actually be brought forward is still unknown at this point
“Only the redelineation of state constituencies can be tabled and decided in the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly. Parliamentary constituencies fall under federal jurisdiction and require action at the national level.
“That’s why it’s important for Sarawakians to understand what can and cannot be decided within our state legislative processes,” he said in a statement.
Sim also pointed out that redelineation may not be Sarawak’s top priority at the moment, with Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and oil and gas rights still in focus.
Both issues, he said, remain crucial to Sarawak’s autonomy and economic well-being and may require attention before any constituency changes are considered.
Even so, he acknowledged that redelineation is part of a legal process that must follow constitutional timelines to ensure updated and fair representation.
He said a review might be necessary soon, especially as discussions on restoring one-third parliamentary seat representation for Sarawak and Sabah gain momentum.
“When asked about how many new state seats would make sense for Sarawak, I believe the Election Commission will propose new seats based on established criteria, including population size, the number of voters, and geographical considerations.
“These objective measures will help ensure fair and balanced representation across our vast state,” he said.
Sim expressed optimism that having more constituencies could enhance governance and allow elected reps to better address local issues across both urban and rural areas.
“Social and economic issues can be heard and addressed more effectively, ultimately improving the quality of life for all Sarawakians,” he added.
He urged all parties to remain patient and informed, stressing the need for clarity and fairness throughout any future redelineation process.