KUCHING — Sarawak’s move to expand its state assembly membership sets the stage for a possible increase in the state’s parliamentary representation at the federal level, said Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, who tabled the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill 2025, said the expansion was not only timely but strategic in strengthening Sarawak’s voice in national policymaking.
“Hopefully, it (this move) will also be reflected in an increase in the number of parliamentary seats and support our request for Sabah and Sarawak to be represented by one-third of the seats in the Dewan Rakyat,” he said during his winding-up speech at a special sitting of the state assembly today, as reported by Bernama.
Sarawak currently holds 31 parliamentary seats, the highest, followed by Johor (26) and Sabah (25).
The bill, which was passed unanimously, will see the number of elected representatives rise by 17 — from 82 to 99 — the largest expansion of state seats in its history. The new composition is expected to be in place in time for the next state election.
“This is the largest increase we have done, perhaps the largest among all states in Malaysia. It may be another 10 years or more before we see the next one,” Abdul Karim added.
When tabling the bill, he said the revision was necessary to keep pace with demographic shifts, urban expansion and the need for more equitable representation, particularly in remote and rural areas.
The current composition of 82 seats, as provided under the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Ordinance 2014, will be repealed and replaced with the new bill.
The number of seats in the Sarawak assembly has steadily increased over the decades — from 48 in 1969, to 56 in 1985, 62 in 1995, 71 in 2005, and 82 in 2014.
The amendment aligns with Article 113(2)(ii) of the Federal Constitution, which allows for a review of electoral boundaries at intervals of not less than eight years. Sarawak’s last redelineation exercise was conducted in 2015. — July 7, 2025