Chong: DAP against purported proposed redelineation, proportionate representation a must

KUCHING (March 30): The Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak has objected to a leaked proposal said to outline the creation and redistribution of new constituencies in Sarawak.

DAP Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen cited concerns over disproportionate voter representation.

“At this stage, I have no idea because there are still many uncertainties including how many seats will be contested, how many seats will be up for contest, and other circumstances that may arise,” he told reporters after announcing the SPM 2025 Excellent Result Rewards here.

He stressed that any electoral redelineation exercise must ensure proportionate representation, noting that the variation in the number of voters between constituencies should not be too large.

“As a rough estimate, Sarawak has about two million voters. If there are around 99 or 100 seats, then on average there should be about 20,000 voters per constituency,” he explained.

He said allowing for a variation of about 30 per cent would mean each constituency should have between 15,000 and 25,000 voters.

According to him, the leaked document appears to show a significant voter discrepancy between constituencies.

For instance, Opar is estimated to have about 10,000 voters, while Senadin could have as many as 70,000 voters, he said.

“We will strongly object to the first draft. In fact, we have already conveyed our concerns to the Election Commission (EC),” he said.

He explained the EC will first prepare a proposed draft, after which the public would have the opportunity to submit objections.

“The commission will review these objections and decide whether to accept them and may then propose a revised delineation.

“If the SPR (EC) believes the final proposal should be approved by Parliament, it will be submitted to the Cabinet and then tabled in Parliament for approval,” he added.

Several online reports have circulated a supposedly leaked slide presentation detailing the proposal creation of 17 new state seats, including Jagoi under P192 Mas Gading; Sejinjang (P193 Santubong); Serapi and Semarak (P194 Petra Jaya); Seledah (P196 Stampin); Sungai Serin (P198 Puncak Borneo); Susur Jambu (P206 Tanjung Manis); Tanahmas (P211 Lanang); Sungai Merah and Bukit Kemuyang (P212 Sibu); Oya (P213 Mukah); Bukit Arip (P214 Selangau); Melekun (P215 Kapit); Tukau (P218 Sibuti); Permaisuri and Tudan (P219 Miri); and Usun Apau (P220 Baram).

The proposal also includes name changes for several existing constituencies: Opar to Serayan, Tasik Biru to Singai, Tarat to Bung Sadung, Semop to Muara Lassa, Jemoreng to Matu, Bawang Assan to Rassau, Lambir to Pantai Tusan, Jepak to Jepak Jaya, Senadin to Riam and Ba Kelalan to Gunong Murod.

Related story: Sarawak DUN approves 17 new seats, awaiting EC delineation process