THE appointment of additional members to the State Cabinet will accelerate decision-making and strengthen coordination between ministries and various agencies, said Tellian assemblyman Royston Valentine.
He said the move would ensure government policies were implemented more efficiently and deliver greater impact on the well-being of the people.
“With global challenges such as climate change, digital transformation and the need for sustainable development, the Sarawak government must act swiftly and be responsive to emerging issues.
“This amendment also creates room for more capable elected representatives to contribute directly to state administration. It not only broadens political participation but also enriches the diversity of perspectives and ideas in shaping new government policies,” he said when debating in support of the Constitution of the State of Sarawak (Amendment) Bill, 2025 during the DUN Sitting here today (Nov 24).
As Sarawak worked towards becoming a developed and high-income state by 2030, Royston said the state’s administrative structure must be dynamic and ready to face increasingly complex development challenges.
“This amendment is a proactive step to ensure the state government has sufficient leadership capacity to manage the ongoing economic and social transformation,” he added.
He stressed that the question of why this amendment was necessary must be examined carefully to avoid misunderstandings or deliberate misinterpretations that may cast a negative perception on this initiative.
“In today’s increasingly demanding governance landscape, ministries and government agencies are carrying heavier workloads. There is a need for more specialised portfolios and a more systematic division of responsibilities so that every development sector receives the attention it deserves.
“By allowing the appointment of additional members, we can reinforce leadership, improve efficiency through better distribution of duties and responsibilities and enable the government to respond more swiftly and effectively to the needs of the people,” he said.
He added that the initiative would also help the government to manage emerging challenges more efficiently, including advancing the digital economy, environmental sustainability and large-scale infrastructure development that required focused oversight.
Royston noted that even with the expansion, the number of Cabinet members remained controlled and limited, with a maximum allowance of four additional appointments.
“This is a responsible mechanism that strengthens administration without exceeding reasonable limits. Therefore, this amendment is justified in ensuring continued progress and the well-being of Sarawak and its people,” he said.
