KUCHING — The proposal to increase Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) seats to 99 is not about pleasing rural constituencies or “appeasing trees”, but a vital move to ensure stronger representation and autonomy within the Malaysian federation, said Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Ir Lo Khere Chiang.
In his Sarawak Day message commemorating the 62nd anniversary of Sarawak’s self-governance since July 22, 1963, Lo reminded that Sarawak was never handed over to Malaya or Putrajaya, but back to Sarawakians.
He stressed that the fight today is to safeguard Sarawak’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), and expanding DUN seats is part of the state’s long-term effort to block federal dominance and ensure fair representation.
“Sarawak covers nearly the same land area as the whole of Peninsular Malaysia, yet we only receive RM5.9 billion in federal development funding this year — the lowest among all 13 regions. Meanwhile, Sarawak contributes over 60 per cent of the nation’s oil and gas reserves,” he pointed out.
Lo criticised DAP Sarawak for opposing the 17-seat increase, accusing the opposition of overlooking vast disparities between Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak. While Peninsular Malaysia has over 400 state seats, Sarawak currently has only 82.
He also rebuked DAP’s comments labelling rural representatives as “wakil tanah” or “wakil trees”, calling such remarks insulting to rural voters who lack even basic infrastructure.
Lo defended the importance of every state seat in rural Sarawak, saying many elected representatives must serve constituents living in isolated communities without road access or internet, unlike their urban counterparts in the peninsula.
“Representation is not just about numbers. It’s about distance, accessibility, and delivering services to people scattered across vast lands. These 17 new seats will ensure no community is left behind,” he said.
He further claimed that DAP’s resistance stems from political fear, as the new seats would likely benefit Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), especially in rural areas.
“Let’s be clear. Their goal isn’t cost-saving — it’s about retaining an urban-heavy imbalance that favours them politically,” he said.
Lo reminded that a stronger Sarawak-based DUN is the best way to protect the state’s rights under MA63, especially in areas such as oil and gas royalties, education, healthcare, and taxation.
“Increasing DUN seats strengthens our claim for one-third parliamentary representation — a fundamental promise under MA63 that has yet to be fulfilled,” he said.
He warned against repeating Sabah’s political fragmentation by allowing Malayan parties to divide Sarawakians.
“Let us move forward with unity, resolve, and a shared voice. A stronger DUN means a stronger Sarawak. One Sarawak, One Voice, One-Third Representation,” he said, in extending Sarawak Day wishes to all.
