THE Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2025, proposing an increase in Sarawak state assembly seats from 82 to 99, is crucial for ensuring fairer representation and balanced development across Sarawak’s vast constituencies, said Tupong assemblyman, Datuk Fazzruddin Abdul Rahman.
In support of the Bill, Fazzruddin said it reflected the state’s responsibility to address the unique challenges posed by Sarawak’s geography.
“Today, the Honourable Member for Asajaya has tabled a Bill proposing an increase in the number of State Assembly seats from 82 to 99.
“That is the only matter within our jurisdiction for discussion today,” he said.
He stressed that expanding representation would directly improve government service delivery.
“Logically, if a constituency covers a vast area but has only one assemblyman, the allocation of funds will have to cover that entire vast area.
“But if there are two assemblymen, then two allocations can be directed to smaller, more manageable areas.
“This benefits the constituencies and accelerates development,” he said.
Fazzruddin clarified that the Assembly’s role was only to approve the addition of seats.
“Once approved, the gazette of the resolution from this Assembly will be handed over to the Election Commission (EC), and from that point onwards, it is beyond our jurisdiction,” he said.
He also called for public trust in the EC and the Federal government to conduct the redelineation fairly.
“We should have confidence in the Federal government, under which the EC functions and we trust that it will carry out its responsibilities with integrity,” he said.
Additionally, Fazzruddin said it was also related to the longstanding objective of restoring Sarawak and Sabah’s rightful representation in Parliament, underscoring the broader significance of the Bill.
“For the past few years, we have been advocating for better representation in the federal Parliament, that Sarawak and Sabah together should hold at least one-third of the parliamentary seats.
“This constitutional safeguard was guaranteed through the Cobbold Commission Report during Malaysia’s formation,” he added, noting that the Bill was an important step towards achieving that goal.
