KUCHING: The addition of 17 new seats in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) not only reflects the state's democratic maturity but also opens up development opportunities worth RM120 million for the constituencies involved.

Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr. Annuar Rapa’ee said with the inclusion of these additional seats, more rural areas and minority communities would benefit from targeted and comprehensive government allocations for basic infrastructure and services.

“With the addition of these seats, the government budget will naturally increase to accommodate the allowances of 17 new assemblymen.

“If we look at it, the cost of allowances for 17 elected representatives is about RM4.5 million, but in return, the 17 constituencies will receive a total of RM120 million in government development allocations.

“So, should we deny the people RM120 million just because of the RM4.5 million?” he said when tabling the motion to adjourn the Sarawak DUN Special Sitting on Monday.

Commenting further, Datuk Dr. Annuar described the approval to increase the number of seats from 82 to 99 as a historic moment that reinforces democratic principles and widens the representation of the people from across the state.

According to him, the approach taken by the Sarawak Government prioritises equity rather than merely equality, thus ensuring fairer representation that takes into account the state’s ethnic diversity and vast geography.

“A democratic government is one by the people, of the people, and for the people.

“Sarawak is home to 27 ethnic groups across the state, and if we only apply the principle of ‘one man, one vote, one value’, minority groups will be sidelined and denied their rightful voice.

“In the end, it is the majority that will dominate in a totalitarian fashion. That would be detrimental to democracy,” he emphasised.

He also expressed appreciation to all Assemblymen who supported the Bill, describing it as a timely step to empower the people’s voice, especially from minority communities.

“I congratulate everyone because we have successfully increased the number of seats, thus opening the floor for minority ethnic groups to be heard in this August House,” he added.

The Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2025, which was passed during the special sitting, saw the number of seats increase from 82 to 99, in line with the state’s population growth, ethnic diversity, and geographical expanse which is equivalent in size to Peninsular Malaysia.

The Bill was tabled by Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, and passed after debates by 31 Assemblymen comprising 29 from the government bloc and two from the opposition. -UKASnews