KUCHING: Sarawak is proposing an increase of 17 elected representatives to the state legislative assembly, bringing the total from 82 to 99.
State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the proposed increase was necessary given Sarawak's growing population and number of voters, especially after the voting age was lowered to 18 years.
"This justifies the... creation of new constituencies to ensure that representation... remains fair and reflects the situation on the ground," he said when tabling the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill 2025 at a special one-day sitting on Monday (July 7).
Karim also said the proposal addressed Sarawak's vast geographical size and the extensive areas that rural assemblymen have to cover.
He said it would enhance government accessibility, ensure that the needs of the people were addressed more efficiently and effectively, and improve service delivery.
In addition, he said, the proposed increase was in line with Article 113(2)(ii) of the Federal Constitution, which allows a review of electoral boundaries after an interval of not less than eight years.
The last redelineation exercise in Sarawak in 2015 saw 11 new state constituencies created.
This followed the passing of the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill in November 2014, increasing its members from 71 to 82.
Once the 2025 Bill is passed, Karim said it would come into force on a date to be appointed by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, and the previous Composition of Membership Ordinance would be repealed.
He said the new Ordinance would be implemented in time for the next state election in Sarawak, which must be held by April 2027.
"I believe this Bill is both timely and essential. With our population steadily growing, new townships emerging and the needs of our communities evolving, this change ensures that the state legislative assembly remains responsive, relevant and ready to serve every corner of our state with greater efficiency and inclusivity," he added.
