ROSE calls for review over DUN areas to achieve fair representation of voters

SIBU (July 21): The Rise of Social Efforts (ROSE) is proposing to the Election Commission (EC) to have redrawing done on all 82 State Legislative Assembly (DUN) areas in Sarawak.

In calling for this, ROSE president Geoffrey Tang says Sarawak already has a very big number of lawmakers.

This proposal, according to him, would serve to achieve fair representation of voters, while abiding by Schedule 13 2(c) of the Federal Constitution.

“ROSE proposes the redrawing of boundaries so that every state constituency would have more or less equal number of voters, without reducing the number of lawmakers.

“The rural areas, many of which are geographically big, still have fewer voters than those in the urban constituencies, and there are about 1.9 million voters in Sarawak” he told reporters when met at the ‘#KitaAdaNombor-Sarawak Redelineation Campaign’ session, held by ROSE at a hotel here on Saturday night.

In his presentation earlier, Tang cited a situation that explained the voting value, where to win in Gedong, it would require about 5,000 votes, in comparison to about 35,000 votes needed to secure Senadin.

“So, there is a disparity in the voting strength between the urban and rural areas, which is why the redelineation of electoral boundaries is important – to uphold the principle of ‘one person, one vote and one value’.”

Moreover, Tang also spoke about the recent calls for the reinstatement of the local authorities (PBT) elections in Sarawak.

“We are talking about city councils, where they manage big amount of taxpayers’ money, which must be transparent.

“If possible, bring back the PBT elections. Let the people decide.

“Of course, this could cost some money, but at least they (those holding office) are elected, and not appointed by any political party.”

On the ‘#KitaAdaNombor campaign, Tang said ROSE’s next stop would be in Samarahan.