EC urged to reconsider proposed Bukit Arip constituency

THE Election Commission (EC) has been urged to reconsider the proposed Bukit Arip constituency to ensure fairer representation for rural communities in the area.

Tamin assemblyman, Christopher Gira Sambang said Selangau covered approximately 9,193 square kilometres, with about 400 longhouses in Tamin and another 350 in Kakus, making accessibility and travelling distances important considerations in constituency delineation.

He said the exclusion of Bukit Arip from the EC’s recommendations displayed in September 2026 warranted reconsideration, despite the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) having approved an increase in the number of State constituencies from 82 to 99 on July 7, 2025.

“I fully support the formal objection submitted by voters from Pusat Daerah Mengundi (PDM) Lemai, which is part of N.59 Tamin, and urge the Election Commission to reconsider Bukit Arip,” he said when debating the Supply (2027) Bill, 2026 during the DUN Sitting today.

Gira said constituency delineation should take into account geographical size, accessibility and travelling distances, rather than relying solely on voter numbers.

“Equal numbers do not necessarily produce equal representation,” he said.

He also called for Budget 2027 allocations to reflect the higher cost of delivering public services to scattered rural communities, where geographical challenges can make service provision more demanding.

On another matter, Gira criticised the position taken by the Padungan assemblyman against allocating 30 per cent of projects to Bumiputera contractors and businesses.

He said the allocation was intended to provide Bumiputera communities, particularly those in rural areas and longhouses, with greater opportunities to participate in economic development.

Gira maintained that Sarawak’s development approach should remain inclusive and ensure that all communities had opportunities to progress and compete.

He argued that the allocation was not intended to marginalise other communities, but to widen Bumiputera participation in development projects.

He also called on Bumiputera voters in urban areas to consider the DAP’s position on Bumiputera participation when making their choices in the next election.