KUCHING: The Election Commission's (EC) proposed redelineation of 17 new state constituencies may not be completed in time for the coming Sarawak state election, says Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The state Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister said the procedure included the public display of the proposed electoral map and its subsequent endorsement by Parliament.
"At this time when the state election is approaching, the EC has finally issued a notice on the proposed redelineation.
"For me, this should have been done months ago. My question is whether the process can be done in time for the 17 new seats to be included in the coming election," he told reporters after a press conference announcing the Sarawak Umrah and Islamic Tourism Expo Festival here on Wednesday (Aug 5).
Abdul Karim was asked to comment on a leaked EC letter seeking space from local authorities to display its proposed redelineation of state constituencies.
The letter included an appendix listing 17 new state seats and 10 renamed seats.
Abdul Karim said the Sarawak Legislative Assembly's current term is due to end in February 2027 unless it is dissolved earlier, after which the election must be held within 60 days.
However, he said the public display of the proposed redelineation could take two or three months, with more time required if objections are raised, before it can be tabled in Parliament for approval.
"Can all these statutory procedures be completed by February at the latest?
"Although it is a good effort by the EC, I have my reservations about whether the 17 new seats can be contested in the coming election," he said.
He added that the EC should have begun the redelineation process immediately after the state assembly passed the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill in July last year to increase the number of elected representatives from 82 to 99.
"The state government, under the leadership of Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, has its own plans and timing for the state election. We shouldn't have to wait for the EC to decide when to dissolve the state assembly," he said.
