PBB to raise recommendations to EC on redelineation exercise in Sarawak

Abang Johari (front row, fifth left) and other dignitaries and officials pose for a group photo at Dataran Ibu Pertiwi in Kuching on Jan 1, 2024. Photo credit: Sarawak Information Department (Japen)

By Ashley Sim and Nur Ashikin Louis

KUCHING, Jan 1: A Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu Sarawak (PBB) special committee will bring up its recommendations on the redelineation exercise to add parliamentary seats in Sarawak to the Election Commission (EC), says Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

According to the Premier, the special committee is currently conducting a feasibility study on the matter.

“PBB has a special committee to look at the redelineation exercise, so it is still under study.

“We give a recommendation only because the final decision is with the EC,” he told reporters after visiting Dataran Ibu Pertiwi here today.

Abang Johari had disclosed on Oct 8, 2023 that Sarawak will conduct a feasibility study on increasing parliamentary seats in the State before bringing the matter up to the EC for approval.

Meanwhile, it was reported today that the EC is currently considering and reviewing the feasibility of a redelineation exercise in Sarawak.

EC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Ghani Salleh said a redelineation exercise can be carried out after eight years have passed from the date of completion of the previous redelineation, or when there is an amendment to the composition of the number of members of the Dewan Rakyat or State Legislative Assembly (DUN).

The most recent redelineation exercise for Peninsular Malaysia was in 2018 whereas for Sarawak and Sabah, it was carried out in 2015 and 2017 respectively.

Abdul Ghani also said that a redelineation exercise will only be carried out when there is notification to the Dewan Rakyat Speaker and the Prime Minister by the EC and a notice is published as provided under Part II, Section 4, Thirteenth Schedule of the Federal Constitution.

Abang Johari’s visit today also saw the presence of various dignitaries and officials, including Sarawak Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; and Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP) Sarawak Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. — DayakDaily