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In a significant move to reflect Sarawak's growing population and diverse geographical landscape, the State Legislative Assembly (Dewan Undangan Negeri, DUN) is set to increase its number of elected representatives from 82 to 99. This expansion, proposed in the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill 2025, was tabled during a special one-day sitting on July 7, 2025.
### A Brief History
The DUN has undergone several expansions in the past. The most recent was in 2014, when the number of seats increased from 71 to 82. The current proposal, therefore, marks the second significant increase in the Assembly's size in less than two decades.
### Reasons for the Increase
The increase in the number of elected representatives is primarily driven by Sarawak's demographic shifts, urban expansion, and voter surge. With the lowering of the voting age to 18, the state has seen a significant rise in the number of voters, necessitating more equitable representation to reflect the current electorate.
Moreover, Sarawak's vast size and challenging terrain make it difficult for existing representatives to efficiently cover and serve their constituents, particularly in rural areas. The expansion aims to address this issue by creating new constituencies for fairer and more effective representation.
The move also reflects the state's urban growth and changing population distribution, which demand the creation of new constituencies for fairer representation.
### Implications
The increase in the number of elected members is expected to enhance government accessibility and responsiveness, particularly in remote and rural areas, facilitating better service delivery and addressing local needs more effectively. With more representatives, constituents can expect leadership that is geographically and socially closer to them, leading to better community engagement and stronger political accountability.
The adjustment ensures the Assembly remains dynamic and representative, better mirroring Sarawak’s changing demographic landscape. The new composition will be implemented in time for the next state election, and voters will elect 99 representatives to this DUN.
In summary, the increase from 82 to 99 seats in Sarawak's DUN is a strategic response to voter growth, geographical complexities, and the need for fair and effective representation, with positive implications for governance and service to the people of Sarawak. The new Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2025 proposes to repeal the existing 2014 Ordinance and replace it with a new law, increasing the number of elected members to 99.
- The Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill 2025 proposes a change in Malaysia's news and policy-and-legislation, as it aims to replace the existing 2014 Ordinance with a new law, increasing the number of elected members in Sarawak's Dewan Undangan Negeri (State Legislative Assembly) from 82 to 99.
- This political move is a reflection of Sarawak's growing population and diverse geographical landscape, which has resulted in a significant rise in voters, urging the need for more equitable representation in general-news.
- The increase in elected representatives is expected to improve governance and service delivery, particularly in rural areas, by increasing accessibility and responsiveness of the government, thereby facilitating better community engagement and stronger political accountability.
