‘No such thing as “this is my seat”’ — PBB Info chief dismisses claims of seat allocations in 17 new State seats

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By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, March 12: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Information chief Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has dismissed claims circulating online that the proposed 17 new Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) seats have already been allocated among component parties within Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).

Responding to a purported leak suggesting that certain parties have been guaranteed specific numbers of seats, Abdul Karim said such claims were premature as the process to increase the number of Sarawak State seats from 82 to 99 has yet to receive endorsement from Parliament.

“I’m the one who tabled the Bill in the DUS for the increase of the State assembly seats from 82 to 99.

“The procedure was already explained when it was tabled — after it was approved by the State assembly members, it must be brought to Parliament for endorsement. That’s what we are waiting for,” he told reporters during a press conference held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.

Abdul Karim, who is the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, explained that once Parliament gives its approval, it will then be up to the Election Commission (EC) to determine the location and boundaries of the additional constituencies.

According to him, speculation that specific parties have already secured certain seats is unfounded as the delineation process has not even begun.

“Some people are saying that out of the 17 seats, 10 have been guaranteed for PBB, three for Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) and so on. I don’t think PBB and SUPP have a stake that way — saying ‘this is my seat’.

“There are no seats yet. I don’t even know where the seats are,” he stressed.

Abdul Karim, who also serves as Asajaya assemblyman, acknowledged that discussions among GPS component parties on potential areas for new constituencies may take place, but stressed that the final decision rests with EC.

He noted that the commission would have to conduct studies on the ground and publish its proposed delineation for public display before any new seats are finalised, allowing the public to submit feedback or objections.

“The people have the right to say if there should be some changes, whether something should go here or there. But the final seats that make up the 17 — not yet,” he added.

At the same time, he suggested that the circulation of such claims could be an attempt to create division within GPS.

“It might be mischievous cyber troopers or certain parties trying to divert attention so that we fight among ourselves instead of focusing on Parliament,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Abdul Karim urged for the parliamentary endorsement of the increase in DUS seats to be tabled as soon as possible.

Citing Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, he said the matter is expected to be brought to Parliament in July, though he hoped it could be brought forward earlier.

“If it’s tabled in July, make sure by the end of the year it will be available for us to contest,” he said.

Asked about the remaining steps needed before the 17 additional seats can be created, Abdul Karim said the process is straightforward as the DUS has already approved the increase.

“There is no other way — just endorse it. It has been passed by the DUS, the highest law-making body in the State, and it received almost unanimous support.

“If it’s landslide support, Parliament will support it — just endorse it. Unless the Law Minister doesn’t know the law — doesn’t know the power,” he said.

Abdul Karim added that the State assembly only has the authority to propose additional State constituencies, while the creation of parliamentary seats falls under the jurisdiction of Parliament.

“We don’t have the rights to apply or pass Parliament seats. But we have the power to add DUS seats. That comes within our power.

“If the State has approved the matter, let the process proceed and endorse it in Parliament,” he remarked. — DayakDaily

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