‘Don’t play politics’: PBB info chief says addition of 17 State seats a constitutional process

Abdul Karim speaking to reporters at a press conference on the upcoming Malam Legends charity dinner here on June 30, 2026.

By Amanda L

KUCHING, June 30: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) information chief Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has urged federal leaders not to “play politics or spin issues” over the addition of 17 new State constituencies.

He insisted that the matter concerns only parliamentary endorsement of a State decision under the Federal Constitution and is completely unrelated to parliamentary seat allocations.

According to him, the proposal to increase Sarawak’s State constituencies from 82 to 99 was lawfully approved in the State Legislative Assembly (DUS) more than a year ago with overwhelming support from its members.

“The creation of State seats is determined by the State under Malaysia’s Westminster system and the Federal Constitution, while Parliament’s role is only to provide endorsement before the changes can be implemented,” he told reporters at a press conference on the upcoming Malam Legends charity dinner here today.

He explained that once the DUN passes such a proposal, it must be submitted to Parliament for endorsement, after which the Election Commission (EC) will determine the boundaries and locations of the new seats.

Highlighting the authority of the State legislature, Abdul Karim reminded federal leaders that the DUN is the highest law-making body in Sarawak, and its decisions must be respected both at the State and parliamentary levels.

He did not hide his disappointment over the delay in bringing the matter to Parliament for endorsement, particularly since Sarawak hopes to utilise the 17 new seats in the next State election which must be held before the end of the year.

Abdul Karim who is also the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) also clarified that the proposal has never involved changes to parliamentary seats, reassuring that Sarawak’s allocation of 31 parliamentary seats remains unchanged as that falls strictly under federal jurisdiction.

“We are not questioning parliamentary seats. We are only talking about increasing State seats from 82 to 99 as approved,” he stressed, cautioning against linking the two issues as it creates inaccurate and misleading interpretations.

The minister further noted that all other States are equally free to propose their own adjustments to State constituencies through their respective legislative assemblies, subject to the exact same constitutional process.

However, he expressed concern that if the endorsement process is not completed in time, the 17 new seats will not be usable in the upcoming State election, potentially delaying their implementation until the following electoral cycle.

Having repeatedly raised the matter, he maintained that the issue should not be politicised, especially by those at the federal level. — DayakDaily