‘Lack of respect’: PBB info chief questions delay in federal approval for 17 additional S’wak seats

Sarawak Legislative Assembly Complex.

By Dayangku Hidayatul

KUCHING, June 5: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) information chief Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has expressed disappointment over the prolonged delay in approving 17 additional State seats, claiming that it appears that Parliament is not respecting the decision made by the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS).

He said the motion, which was passed a year ago in the DUS, sought to increase Sarawak’s State seats from 82 to 99, but has yet to be tabled in Parliament for federal endorsement despite three sittings held since.

“I previously said it showed a lack of respect for the decision made by the Sarawak Legislative Assembly,” he told reporters during a press conference at Baitulmakmur II here today.

Abdul Karim also added that there has been no action from the minister responsible for legal affairs to bring the matter forward in Parliament.

He stressed that the proposal for the 17 additional State seats is strictly a State matter and should not be confused with parliamentary seat discussions.

“At State level, we only dealt with increasing the number of State seats from 82 to 99. The motion was passed a year ago and only required endorsement at the federal level,” he said.

He also criticised attempts to link the State seat proposal with parliamentary matters, saying both issues are separate.

“In my view, the minister in charge of legal affairs should not have linked the State seat matter to parliamentary seats. Why bring Parliament into the discussion when we are talking about State seats?” he said.

Abdul Karim said the delay raises doubts over whether the proposal can be completed in time, including which the process still requires public display and consultation under redelineation procedures.

“Even if it is tabled and approved, there are still procedural steps. I have my doubts it can be completed in time,” he said.

He also said that if approval is only obtained later, the implementation of the 17 additional seats may have to wait until the next State election after the upcoming one. — DayakDaily