(Kuching, 7th) Sarawak's plan to add seats for elected members of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) is a strategic and extremely critical move, aimed at ensuring fair representation and promoting balanced development across the state.
Mulu constituency assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon said that the "Sarawak Legislative Assembly (Composition of Seats) Bill 2025" proposes to increase the number of state assemblymen from 82 to 99 seats. This move is not just an adjustment in numbers, but also a significant improvement to Sarawak’s democratic system.
He said today, while debating the bill in a special session of the state assembly: "By expanding the assembly, we provide a platform for more voices, perspectives, and diverse opinions, ultimately promoting a more inclusive decision-making mechanism to benefit all people."
Chukpai pointed out that the addition of seats not only complies with constitutionally-granted powers, but also reflects the increasingly growing and diverse needs of Sarawak's population.
"Our state covers vast inland areas, where the population is sparse, but cultural and natural resources are abundant."
"Historically, these rural communities have often struggled to be heard in the legislative process and are frequently overshadowed by densely populated urban centers."
"The increase from 82 to 99 seats is precisely to address this imbalance."
He added that this move will help promote fairer infrastructure construction and sustainable development, aligning with the state's advocated philosophy of 'progress shared by all'.
"We must also acknowledge the structural changes brought about by recent policy reforms—especially the lowering of the voting age to 18 and the implementation of automatic voter registration."
"Therefore, as the number of voters (especially young people and urban populations) increases significantly, our assembly must also expand to ensure both representativeness and efficiency."
He emphasized that this reform will ensure that every voice, regardless of age or region, is heard and participates in shaping the future of Sarawak.
He also pointed out that increasing seats will prevent political influence from being overly concentrated in a few urban constituencies and will help distribute legislative resources and attention more fairly.
"Furthermore, a more representative assembly can better respond to local needs."
"The greater the diversity in the assembly, the more comprehensive policies will be, and the better they will reflect the various interests of Sarawak's urban, rural, young, and old communities," he said.
Mulu constituency assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon said that the "Sarawak Legislative Assembly (Composition of Seats) Bill 2025" proposes to increase the number of state assemblymen from 82 to 99 seats. This move is not just an adjustment in numbers, but also a significant improvement to Sarawak’s democratic system.
He said today, while debating the bill in a special session of the state assembly: "By expanding the assembly, we provide a platform for more voices, perspectives, and diverse opinions, ultimately promoting a more inclusive decision-making mechanism to benefit all people."
Chukpai pointed out that the addition of seats not only complies with constitutionally-granted powers, but also reflects the increasingly growing and diverse needs of Sarawak's population.
"Our state covers vast inland areas, where the population is sparse, but cultural and natural resources are abundant."
"Historically, these rural communities have often struggled to be heard in the legislative process and are frequently overshadowed by densely populated urban centers."
"The increase from 82 to 99 seats is precisely to address this imbalance."
He added that this move will help promote fairer infrastructure construction and sustainable development, aligning with the state's advocated philosophy of 'progress shared by all'.
"We must also acknowledge the structural changes brought about by recent policy reforms—especially the lowering of the voting age to 18 and the implementation of automatic voter registration."
"Therefore, as the number of voters (especially young people and urban populations) increases significantly, our assembly must also expand to ensure both representativeness and efficiency."
He emphasized that this reform will ensure that every voice, regardless of age or region, is heard and participates in shaping the future of Sarawak.
He also pointed out that increasing seats will prevent political influence from being overly concentrated in a few urban constituencies and will help distribute legislative resources and attention more fairly.
"Furthermore, a more representative assembly can better respond to local needs."
"The greater the diversity in the assembly, the more comprehensive policies will be, and the better they will reflect the various interests of Sarawak's urban, rural, young, and old communities," he said.