Kuching，8 Julai: THE passing of the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill 2025 marks a significant step toward strengthening democracy in Sarawak, ensuring broader and fairer representation for all segments of society.
Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapa’ee said the Bill would amplify the voice of Sarawakians from every corner of the state through the creation of 17 new state constituencies.
“This is essential in a democracy, a government of the people, by the people, for the people, as Abraham Lincoln once said.”
Dr Annuar said this during the motion of adjournment of the special Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Monday (July 7).
He stressed that the move reflected the state’s commitment to uphold democratic values by ensuring that no group is left behind in the legislative process.
More importantly, he noted that the bill prioritised political equity over mere numerical equality, cautioning that without equitable representation, Sarawak’s minority and socio-economic groups risk being silenced under a rigid application of the “one man, one vote, one value” principle.
“We must understand that equity is not about treating everyone the same. It’s about being fair.
“If we focus solely on equality, we risk allowing majoritarian rule that sidelines the minority. That is not the democracy we want.”
He warned that a system obsessed with uniformity in vote value could potentially evolve into a totalitarian-style governance, contradicting the spirit of inclusive democracy that Sarawak upholds.
Dr Annuar also commended members of the august House for conducting the debate with maturity and respect, regardless of their differing views.
“Except for two members (Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen and Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong) who opposed the bill, I congratulate everyone for their civilised and dignified discourse.
“This reflects well on our parliamentary culture and maturity as lawmakers.”
Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapa’ee said the Bill would amplify the voice of Sarawakians from every corner of the state through the creation of 17 new state constituencies.
“This is essential in a democracy, a government of the people, by the people, for the people, as Abraham Lincoln once said.”
Dr Annuar said this during the motion of adjournment of the special Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Monday (July 7).
He stressed that the move reflected the state’s commitment to uphold democratic values by ensuring that no group is left behind in the legislative process.
More importantly, he noted that the bill prioritised political equity over mere numerical equality, cautioning that without equitable representation, Sarawak’s minority and socio-economic groups risk being silenced under a rigid application of the “one man, one vote, one value” principle.
“We must understand that equity is not about treating everyone the same. It’s about being fair.
“If we focus solely on equality, we risk allowing majoritarian rule that sidelines the minority. That is not the democracy we want.”
He warned that a system obsessed with uniformity in vote value could potentially evolve into a totalitarian-style governance, contradicting the spirit of inclusive democracy that Sarawak upholds.
Dr Annuar also commended members of the august House for conducting the debate with maturity and respect, regardless of their differing views.
“Except for two members (Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen and Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong) who opposed the bill, I congratulate everyone for their civilised and dignified discourse.
“This reflects well on our parliamentary culture and maturity as lawmakers.”