THE Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill 2025 seeks to reinforce a fundamental democratic principle — that representation must grow in tandem with population
Bukit Assek assemblyman Chieng Jin Ek said with such a massive increase in voters, maintaining the current 82-seat configuration will ensure effectiveness of representation, especially rapidly urbanising or vast rural constituencies.
“By increasing the seats to 99, we are acknowledging the realities on the ground, and ensuring that every Sarawakian voice has a better chance to be heard in this chamber.
“The current 82 seats were introduced in 2014, more than a decade ago. Since then, the needs of the people, the volume of constituency work, and the complexity of policy matters have all grown.
“Many assemblyman in large or densely populated constituencies are overstretched. When one assemblyman/woman has to cover tens of thousands of voters across scattered areas, it becomes harder to engage meaningfully with every community.
“This Bill ensures that our people are not only represented, but are well represented. It brings governance closer to the people and helps ensure constituency service delivery remains efficient, timely, and people-centric,” he said.
He said this in his debate speech in support of Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill 2025,during the special DUN sitting here today.
He said that expanding the legislative body allows the state representation more effectively in undereveloped and geographically challenging areas.
“It enables a stronger voice for the needs of different regions and communities, whether rural, coastal, highland, or urban.
“This Bill does not amend the State Constitution. It merely repeals and replaces the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Ordinance 2014 [Cap. 70] under the powers granted by Article 14(1)(b) and 14(2) of our Constitution.
“We are well within our rights, and indeed, our responsibility as legislators to update the composition of this House in response to the evolving realities of our state,” he added.
Chieng said that Sarawak’s future depends on its ability to evolve with times.
“This Bill is about putting people first. It is about ensuring no community is left unheard, and no citizen feels unrepresented,” he added.
Bukit Assek assemblyman Chieng Jin Ek said with such a massive increase in voters, maintaining the current 82-seat configuration will ensure effectiveness of representation, especially rapidly urbanising or vast rural constituencies.
“By increasing the seats to 99, we are acknowledging the realities on the ground, and ensuring that every Sarawakian voice has a better chance to be heard in this chamber.
“The current 82 seats were introduced in 2014, more than a decade ago. Since then, the needs of the people, the volume of constituency work, and the complexity of policy matters have all grown.
“Many assemblyman in large or densely populated constituencies are overstretched. When one assemblyman/woman has to cover tens of thousands of voters across scattered areas, it becomes harder to engage meaningfully with every community.
“This Bill ensures that our people are not only represented, but are well represented. It brings governance closer to the people and helps ensure constituency service delivery remains efficient, timely, and people-centric,” he said.
He said this in his debate speech in support of Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill 2025,during the special DUN sitting here today.
He said that expanding the legislative body allows the state representation more effectively in undereveloped and geographically challenging areas.
“It enables a stronger voice for the needs of different regions and communities, whether rural, coastal, highland, or urban.
“This Bill does not amend the State Constitution. It merely repeals and replaces the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Ordinance 2014 [Cap. 70] under the powers granted by Article 14(1)(b) and 14(2) of our Constitution.
“We are well within our rights, and indeed, our responsibility as legislators to update the composition of this House in response to the evolving realities of our state,” he added.
Chieng said that Sarawak’s future depends on its ability to evolve with times.
“This Bill is about putting people first. It is about ensuring no community is left unheard, and no citizen feels unrepresented,” he added.