(Kuching, 26th) The proposed constituency delimitation adjustments, if they result in the creation of new state constituencies, will require the support of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government to ensure these new constituencies do not lag behind in development.
Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Deputy President Dato Henry Jinep stated that the newly established constituencies will face their own development needs and, therefore, require strong representation to gradually catch up with more developed areas.
At a press conference yesterday (25th), he said: "New areas need new leaders, and they also need more development in order to catch up with other areas."
Henry, who is also Sarawak's Deputy Minister for Transport (Riverine and Maritime), said that, therefore, voters in new constituencies should consider the area’s long-term development needs when deciding who should represent them.
He believes that supporting GPS can provide the necessary continuity for development in these areas.
He said: "Everyone must make a very wise decision. If a new area falls behind from the very beginning, it will take time to catch up with other areas."
"Therefore, these areas need the support of the GPS government so that development work can continue."
Regarding the possible impact of the proposed constituency adjustments on Bekenu, Henry said that his constituency currently has about 30,000 voters, thus it might be one of the affected areas.
However, he emphasized that until the Election Commission officially announces the proposed constituency boundaries, it is still impossible to determine the actual constituency structure.
He said: "We do not know at the moment; we have to wait for the Election Commission to announce the suggestions."
"Only then will we know which areas are involved in the adjustment, which areas will be included in new constituencies, and which areas will remain in the existing constituencies."
Henry stated that regardless of how the final constituency boundaries are drawn, the top priority is to ensure that any new constituencies have development opportunities and can gradually catch up with existing areas.
He said: "No matter the final outcome, we still need to continue supporting the government because new areas need development."
At a press conference yesterday (25th), he said: "New areas need new leaders, and they also need more development in order to catch up with other areas."
Henry, who is also Sarawak's Deputy Minister for Transport (Riverine and Maritime), said that, therefore, voters in new constituencies should consider the area’s long-term development needs when deciding who should represent them.
He believes that supporting GPS can provide the necessary continuity for development in these areas.
He said: "Everyone must make a very wise decision. If a new area falls behind from the very beginning, it will take time to catch up with other areas."
"Therefore, these areas need the support of the GPS government so that development work can continue."
Regarding the possible impact of the proposed constituency adjustments on Bekenu, Henry said that his constituency currently has about 30,000 voters, thus it might be one of the affected areas.
However, he emphasized that until the Election Commission officially announces the proposed constituency boundaries, it is still impossible to determine the actual constituency structure.
He said: "We do not know at the moment; we have to wait for the Election Commission to announce the suggestions."
"Only then will we know which areas are involved in the adjustment, which areas will be included in new constituencies, and which areas will remain in the existing constituencies."
Henry stated that regardless of how the final constituency boundaries are drawn, the top priority is to ensure that any new constituencies have development opportunities and can gradually catch up with existing areas.
He said: "No matter the final outcome, we still need to continue supporting the government because new areas need development."