KUCHING – Deputy Prime Minister and Petra Jaya MP Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof has voiced strong support for the proposal to increase the number of seats in the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) to 99, describing it as a strategic move toward more effective and inclusive governance—especially in Sarawak’s vast, rural and ethnically diverse regions.
Speaking to the media after visiting the AI for MY Future programme at the Sarawak Technical Excellence Centre (CENTEXS), Dato Sri Fadillah said the proposal, already debated and approved at the state level, was necessary given Sarawak’s unique geography and demographic structure.
“Sarawak is almost the size of Peninsular Malaysia. If we only go by population size, we miss the reality on the ground,” he explained.
He added that beyond population numbers, geographical size, accessibility, and ethnic representation must be key considerations.
“New constituencies mean more dedicated representatives who can voice the concerns of local communities—especially those in remote, underserved areas,” he said.
Dato Sri Fadillah emphasised that the increase in DUN seats will enhance governmental responsiveness and inclusivity, particularly for long-overlooked rural districts where access to infrastructure and services remains limited.
He said the move is in line with the state’s Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 2030) and aspiration to become a developed and equitable state by 2030.
“This will allow for more targeted development initiatives and ensure that no community is left behind,” he added.
