THE Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2025, received strong backing from Repok assemblyman, Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii, who said the proposed increase in the number of Sarawak state assembly seats is vital to ensure fairer and more effective representation, particularly for the state’s vast and remote constituencies.
During the debate, he expressed his full support for the Bill, calling it crucial for Sarawak’s continued development and good governance.
“The approval of this Bill will strengthen the Sarawak government’s ability to carry out its responsibilities in an orderly, efficient, and effective manner.”
Huang noted that Sarawak’s growing population and expansive geography require additional Members of the Legislative Assembly (ADUN) to ensure the workload is distributed more fairly among representatives.
“It is appropriate and necessary to increase the number of ADUNs so the workload can be shared more evenly.”
He highlighted the unique challenges faced by assemblymen representing large and rural constituencies, where logistical difficulties and limited accessibility often hamper effective engagement with voters.
“These difficulties have, to some extent, affected the ability of ADUNs to deliver effective services to residents.”
Huang said that dividing constituencies into smaller, more manageable units would enable elected representatives to focus more closely on local needs and provide better, targeted service delivery, and a more balanced division of constituencies would also enable the distribution of development funds to be more specific, transparent, and effective thereby benefiting previously underserved areas.
“Dividing constituencies into smaller units allows representatives to focus on local needs and deliver services more effectively.”
Huang stressed that most of the new seats will be created in rural regions, which would allow issues related to basic infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities in these areas to be better addressed.
“This aligns with our aspiration for balanced development between urban and rural areas.”
He called on all members of the State Legislative Assembly to support the Bill unanimously.
“This proposal is not merely about numbers and seats, but about empowering democracy, bridging the development gap, and amplifying the voice of the people in every corner of the state.”
