‘No reason to reject’: 99-seat assembly key to balanced devt in S’wak — DUS Deputy Speaker

Idris speaking to reporters at the opening ceremony of the Kota Samarahan Ramadan Bazaar on Feb 22, 2026. Photo: Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas)

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Feb 23: Parliament should take Sarawak’s move to increase the number of seats in its State Legislative Assembly (DUS) into consideration and approve it, as the expansion would ensure a more balanced distribution of development, particularly in rural areas, says DUS Deputy Speaker Dato Idris Buang.

“Sarawak is experiencing significant growth in both population and developmental needs. Our territory is vast, and many rural areas are still in need of essential infrastructure such as roads, hospitals, and schools,” he said at the opening ceremony of the Kota Samarahan Ramadan Bazaar on Sunday (Feb 22), as reported by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).

He further noted that increasing the number of elected representatives to 99 would ensure a more balanced distribution of development, creating a more comprehensive impact for the people.

Idris, who is also the assemblyman for Muara Tuang, added that there should be no reason for the move to be rejected, provided that the study by the Election Commission (EC) was conducted professionally and thoroughly.

On July 7, 2025, the DUS passed the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2025, marking the largest increase in seats in the State’s history, from 82 to 99.

Meanwhile, when asked about the possibility of the next Sarawak polls being held before the approval is secured, he clarified that if an election were called in the interim, it would still be contested based on the existing 82 seats.

“The timing and determination of the election remain at the discretion of the Sarawak Premier. It depends entirely on the considerations of the State’s top leadership,” he said.

He also emphasised that the State leadership is not under any external pressure to set an election date, whether they decide to wait for approval of the additional seats or proceed without it.

His words echoed those of Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who on Feb 18 said the proposed seat increase is still awaiting endorsement from Parliament, meaning that the next Sarawak polls may still be contested under the existing 82-seat configuration. — DayakDaily