ROSE questions pace of Sarawak electoral redelineation

KUCHING (March 10): Civil society group Rise of Social Efforts (ROSE) has raised concerns over whether Sarawak’s electoral redelineation process is being rushed, following reports of a leaked Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) plan on proposed constituency boundaries.

ROSE also referenced Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof’s remark that parliamentary approved for the redelineation could take place as early as July.

“ROSE has never questioned the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly’s lawful decision to increase the number of state seats from 82 to 99.

“However, recent statements from political leaders risk misleading the public about the constitutional process that must follow such a decision,” the group said in a statement on Tuesday.

Several online reports have circulated a supposedly leaked slide presentation detailing the proposal creation of 17 new state seats, including Jagoi under P192 Mas Gading; Sejinjang (P193 Santubong); Serapi and Semarak (P194 Petra Jaya); Seledah (P196 Stampin); Sungai Serin (P198 Puncak Borneo); Susur Jambu (P206 Tanjung Manis); Tanahmas (P211 Lanang); Sungai Merah and Bukit Kemuyang (P212 Sibu); Oya (P213 Mukah); Bukit Arip (P214 Selangau); Melekun (P215 Kapit); Tukau (P218 Sibuti); Permaisuri and Tudan (P219 Miri); and Usun Apau (P220 Baram).

Several existing constituencies are also reported to be renamed, including Opar to Serayan, Tasik Biru to Singai, Tarat to Bung Sadung, Semop to Muara Lassa, Jemoreng to Matu, Bawang Assan to Rassau, Lambir to Pantai Tusan, Jepak to Jepak Jaya, Senadin to Riam, and Ba’Kelalan to Gunong Murod.

ROSE stressed that approval of the new seat composition by the state assembly is not the final step in the redelineation process.

It added that the next stage falls under the Election Commission (EC), which is responsible for reviewing electoral boundaries and preparing proposals for new constituencies.

“These proposals must be officially published by the EC, after which the people of Sarawak have the constitutional right to participate through public representation process, including submitting support or objections,” the group said.

ROSE is collaborating with Tindak Malaysia to build public understanding of the redelineation process so Sarawakians can evaluate proposals based on facts, objective analysis and democratic principles.

The group said only after the public representation process is complete can the Prime Minister submit the EC’s proposal to Parliament for approval by a simple majority.

ROSE warned that without an official EC proposal, Parliament has no constitutional basis to vote on the matter.

It also questioned why certain parties appear to be pre-empting or pressuring the process, emphasising that the EC is an independent constitutional body entrusted with managing electoral redelineation.

“All parties should respect the constitutional process, as Sarawak and Malaysia are governed by the rule of law,” ROSE said, adding that it remains committed to empowering Sarawakians to understand their rights and participate constructively once the EC’s official proposals are published.