KUCHING, June 26: Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap stresses that any move to increase state or parliamentary seats must be guided by the principle of “Sarawak First” and firmly anchored in the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
He further emphasised that Sarawak deserves transparency and clarity, not backroom decisions.
“This cannot be just a numbers game. It must be a step towards strengthening Sarawak’s voice in Parliament and ensuring our people are more fairly and accurately represented,” he said in a press statement today in response to speculations suggesting that a redelineation or increase of state or parliamentary seats might be tabled at the upcoming one-day special sitting of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN).
“If the proposed changes truly aim to uphold our rights under MA63 and enhance Sarawak’s standing within the Federation, then such a move should be welcomed.
“Let’s not forget that the last seat increase in 2015 involved proper legal channels through the Election Commission and constitutional amendments. We must demand the same accountability this time,” he added.
Yap also called for political unity and maturity in navigating this issue, urging all parties—regardless of affiliation—to put Sarawak’s rights and autonomy first.
“If this special sitting is indeed about reinforcing our place under MA63, then it is a step in the right direction and deserves full public support. Our collective mission must be to build a stronger, more empowered Sarawak,” he affirmed.
“I will always speak up for what matters to Sarawakians—whether it’s MA63, fair representation, or the development of our state. The people of Sarawak must always come first. Let us remain vigilant, united, and committed to a better future,” he added.
Yap further pointed out that as urban areas like Kota Sentosa continue to grow rapidly, there is a pressing need to rebalance seat distribution to reflect today’s population realities.
“Neglecting urban constituencies risks marginalizing large segments of Sarawak’s population. Every Sarawakian deserves to have their voice heard. Fair representation is not just a constitutional matter—it’s about justice and equity for our people.”
He further emphasised that Sarawak deserves transparency and clarity, not backroom decisions.
“This cannot be just a numbers game. It must be a step towards strengthening Sarawak’s voice in Parliament and ensuring our people are more fairly and accurately represented,” he said in a press statement today in response to speculations suggesting that a redelineation or increase of state or parliamentary seats might be tabled at the upcoming one-day special sitting of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN).
“If the proposed changes truly aim to uphold our rights under MA63 and enhance Sarawak’s standing within the Federation, then such a move should be welcomed.
“Let’s not forget that the last seat increase in 2015 involved proper legal channels through the Election Commission and constitutional amendments. We must demand the same accountability this time,” he added.
Yap also called for political unity and maturity in navigating this issue, urging all parties—regardless of affiliation—to put Sarawak’s rights and autonomy first.
“If this special sitting is indeed about reinforcing our place under MA63, then it is a step in the right direction and deserves full public support. Our collective mission must be to build a stronger, more empowered Sarawak,” he affirmed.
“I will always speak up for what matters to Sarawakians—whether it’s MA63, fair representation, or the development of our state. The people of Sarawak must always come first. Let us remain vigilant, united, and committed to a better future,” he added.
Yap further pointed out that as urban areas like Kota Sentosa continue to grow rapidly, there is a pressing need to rebalance seat distribution to reflect today’s population realities.
“Neglecting urban constituencies risks marginalizing large segments of Sarawak’s population. Every Sarawakian deserves to have their voice heard. Fair representation is not just a constitutional matter—it’s about justice and equity for our people.”