KUALA LUMPUR – Sarawak will continue preparations for its state election based on the existing 82-seat structure, as doubts remain over whether the proposed expansion to 99 seats can be implemented in time, said State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar.
He noted that months have passed without any update from the Election Commission (EC) on the delineation exercise required for the 17 additional seats approved by the State Legislative Assembly, Borneo Post reported.
“Although constitutionally the SPR is within the time frame completing their job, they must be mindful that Sarawak is preparing for a State Election this year.
“Months have passed with no word whether the 17 new seats are in time for the election this year. Whether in time. Months have passed and we have not heard whether in time or not,” he said after chairing a pre-council meeting at Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu headquarters here.
Amar was responding to questions on whether the upcoming election would proceed under the current 82-seat configuration or include the proposed 99 seats.
He clarified that the Bill on the additional seats was passed by the DUN on July 7, 2025, and could not be reopened under Standing Order 32(3), which prevents reconsideration of matters concluded in the current session except through a substantive motion for rescission.
“It shall be out of order to attempt to reconsider any specific question upon which the Dewan has come to a conclusion during the current session except upon substantive motion for rescission,” he said.
The Speaker added that the EC must complete the delineation process—including boundary finalisation, public display, and approval procedures—before the new seats can take effect.
He also highlighted that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) currently lacks representation in the EC.
“The GPS has no member in the SPR. GPS has no representation. I was informed that a lone member from Sarawak is not from GPS. The GPS is the voices of the voiceless,” he said, urging the EC to adopt a more dynamic approach.
“The SPR should be dynamic, full of verve and vitality. In today’s fast-moving world one has to move forward in order to stand still,” he added.
Until the federal processes and EC delineation are completed, the state election is expected to proceed under the current 82-seat arrangement. – May 9, 2026