KUCHING – During the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting, YB Dato Ir. Lo Khere Chiang delivered a strong and emotional speech in support of the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2025, calling for an increase in the number of elected representatives from 82 to 99.
At the start of his speech, YB Lo extended heartfelt condolences to the Premier of Sarawak, The Right Honourable Tan Sri Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, over the recent passing of his wife, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang. “Our thoughts and prayers are with him during this time of profound sorrow,” he said.
Expansion to Reflect Population Growth
The Bill, tabled by the Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, aims to give legal power for a constituency delineation exercise to take place, as allowed under Article 113(2) of the Federal Constitution. The last exercise was in 2015, and Sarawak is now eligible for a new one.
“This is the biggest expansion in our legislative history, with a 20% increase in seats,” said YB Lo. “It is timely and necessary, given the growth of our population and the increasing demands of the people.”
He explained that the Bill does not amend the Sarawak Constitution but simply updates the 2014 Ordinance to reflect current needs, as permitted under Article 14 of the State Constitution.
Huge Increase in Voters
YB Lo presented clear data on voter growth:
- In PRN 2011: 979,796 registered voters
- PRN 2016 (after 11 new seats added): 1,138,650
- PRN 2021: 1,252,014
- With automatic voter registration since 2022: 1,927,750
- As of May 2025: 2,015,859 voters
He stressed that despite the voter numbers doubling in just over a decade, the number of seats has remained the same since 2014. “It is only logical that representation in the DUN must be updated too,” he said.
Criticism for Opposition Members
YB Lo expressed disappointment with opposition members from Pending and Padungan for rejecting the proposal. “They say they want more parliamentary seats for Sarawak, but reject more seats in the DUN. That is a contradiction,” he said.
He called their reasoning flawed and accused them of showing “typical double standards.” He also rejected comparisons to Australia and Canada made by the Padungan representative. “Those countries don’t have the Malaysia Agreement 1963. Sarawak is not just any state — we are a founding partner in Malaysia, and MA63 guarantees us fair representation.”
Challenges Faced by ADUNs in Sarawak
YB Lo highlighted the unique difficulties faced by assemblymen in Sarawak, especially those serving in large rural areas. “Many of these constituencies are the size of small states in Peninsular Malaysia, with poor roads, scattered longhouses, and multiple languages,” he said. “It’s unfair to expect one ADUN to cover all that without proper support.”
More seats, he explained, would mean better service to the people, especially in remote and underserved areas.
GPS Achievements in Rural Development
In response to criticisms about development, YB Lo listed the achievements of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government, including the construction of over 16 bridges, hundreds of kilometres of roads, and expanded access to electricity and water. He also praised the Sarawak government’s success in taxing Petronas and increasing state income.
He criticised the opposition’s unfulfilled promises about returning 20% oil royalty and 50% tax revenues to Sarawak. “These promises are just empty talk,” he said.
A Call for Unity
YB Lo ended his speech by urging all members of the Assembly to support the Bill. “This Bill is not just legal — it is necessary,” he said. “It will strengthen democracy, ensure fair representation, and improve governance in Sarawak. Let us move forward together.”
