KUCHING – The Sarawak State Legislative Assembly has passed the Sarawak Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025, paving the way for up to four additional members to be appointed to the State Cabinet.
The approval was announced by Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, Speaker of the Assembly, after the bill secured majority support during the Third Meeting of the Fourth Term of the 19th Assembly.
The amendment was introduced by Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Trade, Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts.
He explained that the restructuring was not intended to increase numbers for their own sake, but to strengthen the leadership capacity of the state government.
“This is an opportunity for us to create future leaders who will guide Sarawak in the face of increasingly complex global development,” he said while presenting the bill.
Abdul Karim highlighted that Sarawak’s expanding economy and strategic policies have drawn international interest.
He cited recent overtures from Barcelona and the Government of Catalonia, which expressed readiness to pursue exclusive cooperation with Sarawak. “This is a great honour for our state,” he remarked.
The minister stressed that cultivating capable leaders requires time and preparation. He reflected on his own career, noting that it took two decades before he could speak with confidence in his role.
“If we want the leadership of the elders to continue our work, we must start grooming the new generation,” he added.
Abdul Karim also pointed out that global shifts demand Sarawak to accelerate its development pace. He argued that the expansion of the Cabinet would not only align with the state’s financial strength but also generate employment opportunities through the creation of new agencies and administrative structures.
The amendment is seen as part of Sarawak’s broader ambition to position itself as a strategic partner and gateway to East Asia.
Stronger leadership, he said, is essential for managing new economic opportunities and ensuring the state remains competitive in a rapidly changing global environment.
Several assemblymen voiced support for the bill, noting that the restructuring reflects the evolving needs of governance and development.
The move is expected to provide flexibility for the government to respond to emerging challenges while preparing a new generation of leaders to take on future responsibilities.
The passage of the amendment marks a significant step in Sarawak’s constitutional and political evolution, reinforcing its commitment to adapt governance structures in line with economic growth and international engagement.
