The Sarawak government’s proposal to add 17 seats to the state assembly is justified and aims to improve representation across the state’s diverse communities, according to Santubong MP Nancy Shukri.
Addressing representation needs
Nancy Shukri, vice-chief of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu’s Women’s wing, defended the plan, stating that it is not excessive given Sarawak’s vast size and diverse population. She argued that the additional seats would enable elected representatives to serve constituents more effectively.
In response to criticism that Sarawak is overreaching, she told Dayak Daily that the state is merely seeking what is rightfully owed to ensure smoother administration and better public service. She stressed the importance of fair and equitable consideration for the proposal.
Ensuring ethnic balance
Nancy highlighted that the new seats must be distributed thoughtfully, taking into account Sarawak’s various ethnic groups, including Malays, Ibans, Bidayuhs, Chinese, and Orang Ulu. She emphasised that each group deserves proper representation in the state assembly.
She recalled that ethnic representation was a key factor in past seat distributions, citing the example of ensuring unrepresented Orang Ulu subgroups, such as those beyond the Kelabit and Kenyah, were considered during the tenure of former chief minister Abdul Taib Mahmud.
The final decision on seat allocation, she added, rests with the top leadership of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu.
Awaiting parliamentary approval
In July, the Sarawak state assembly passed a bill to increase its seats from 82 to 99. However, the change requires approval from Parliament and a redelineation process by the Election Commission to redraw the seat map.
Last month, Gabungan Parti Sarawak secretary-general and Kapit MP Alexander Nanta Linggi noted that no specific timeline exists for tabling the bill in the Dewan Rakyat. He also expressed uncertainty about whether the new seats would be ready for the next state election, due by February 2027.
