SIBU: Pelawan assemblyman, Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee, has welcomed the proposed delineation of new state constituencies in Sarawak, saying the creation of the proposed Sungai Merah seat is justified as it would provide fairer representation for voters in the area.
Tiang said the electoral redelineation exercise is a constitutional requirement that should be carried out every 10 years, adding that increasing the number of constituencies would enable elected representatives to serve the people more effectively.
“I fully support the proposal, particularly the creation of the Sungai Merah state constituency from the existing Pelawan constituency.
“Sungai Merah deserves to become a new state seat because Pelawan currently has about 54,000 voters.
“While the number is still manageable, having an additional constituency will allow for better representation in the State Legislative Assembly and more efficient delivery of services to the people,” he said to reporters after officiating a Fleet Card Application for Commercial Vehicles and Engagement Session today.
He was asked to comment on the proposed redelineation of state constituencies.
Tiang noted that several constituencies in Sarawak have much larger electorates, citing Tupong as an example with about 100,000 voters and Senadin 80,000.
“It is therefore reasonable to create additional constituencies to ensure fairer and more effective representation,” he said.
However, Tiang felt the exercise had come rather late if it was intended to be implemented before the upcoming Sarawak state election.
“Nevertheless, I fully support the redelineation exercise. In fact, we endorsed it during the sitting of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly last November because we believe it is necessary to ensure better representation and better service for the people of Sarawak,” he added.
