Sarawak governor receives courtesy visit from Anglican interfaith commission delegation

KUCHING, Oct 14 2025: Sarawak Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi today received a courtesy visit from the Anglican Interfaith Commission delegation at the Astana Negeri.

Sarawak governor and his wife posing for camera with delegation of the Anglican interfaith commission
 

The delegation was led by Anglican Bishop of Kuching Rt Revd Datuk Danald Jute, together with representatives from several countries including Egypt, Bangladesh, India and Brazil.

This courtesy visit was held in conjunction with the Anglican Interfaith Commission meeting held in Kuching, starting from Oct 13-17, 2025.

In the meeting, discussions also focused on interfaith dialogue initiatives implemented at the state and international levels as well as strengthening good relations between religions throughout the world.

The governor also shared his experiences and views, especially the importance of the values of tolerance, understanding and mutual respect in a pluralistic society.

He expressed his appreciation to the Anglican Interfaith Commission for its continuous efforts in strengthening cooperation and understanding between communities of various religions, in addition to promoting a harmonious and peaceful life, especially in Sarawak.

The governor also expressed his hope that the good relations that have been established can continue to be strengthened through cooperation and interfaith dialogue programmes that benefit universal well-being and unity.

DAPSY Kuching against allowing the four students to sit for their SPM examinaion

KUCHING, Oct 13 2025: DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) Kuching has disagreed with the Education Ministry in allowing the four male students, who were allegedly involved in gang-raping a female student, to sit for their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination.

Lesley Chong (picture): There should be no leniency shown to the four students who allegedly involved in gang-raping a female student 

Its secretary Lesley Chong said there should not be any leniency shown to them for allegedly committing the gang-rape on a female student in a school in Malacca last week.

She said by allowing them to sit for SPM examination is sending a dangerous message that justice and accountability are secondary to privilege and convenience.

“If the perpetrators are given a second chance so easily, who will safeguard the future of the young girl whose life has been irreversibly scarred?

“Has anyone ensured that she can continue her studies safely, or receive the psychological support she deserves to rebuild her life?” Lesley asked.

She also emphasised that, too often, young survivors of sexual assault are the ones who lose everything, such as their education, security, and trust in society.

“It is unacceptable that right now, in the year 2025, victims are still made to carry the burden of shame, while offenders are treated with sympathy and protection,” she said.

Lesley also highlighted the urgent need for a Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) to be implemented in schools, one that teaches students about accurate and age-appropriate information about sexual health, including consent, respect, and bodily autonomy.

She said without proper education, many youths will continue learning about sex and relationships through distorted and harmful online pornographic sources that glorify violence, objectification, and exploitation.

“The fact that the perpetrators even filmed the act and circulated it online reflects a disturbing lack of empathy and understanding of the gravity of their actions,” she stressed.

She strongly urged the Education Ministry and relevant authorities to take immediate and coordinated action to ensure justice for the victim and strengthen measures to prevent such incidents from recurring.

She said this includes ensuring accountability in the handling of the case, providing continuous support and protection for survivors, and reinforcing a zero-tolerance stance against all forms of sexual violence within schools and communities.

She emphasised that, rather than placing the burden of prevention on girls by telling them not to go out late or not to dress a certain way, society must start teaching boys from a young age about consent, respect, and the harmful consequences of sexual violence.

“Protecting victims and holding perpetrators accountable must be our collective moral duty,” Lesley said.

According to media reports, quoting Education director-general Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad today, the four Five students have been expelled.

The School Disciplinary Board expelled them following internal investigations into the serious misconduct, while the criminal case remains under police investigation.

However, they are allowed to sit for their SPM examination as it is their rights.

They will be asked to sit for the examination at a different school.

The four, aged 17, are being investigated by the police under Section 375B of the Penal Code for gang rape.

 

(Updated): PBDS supports calls to allow Sabahans residing in Malaya to vote through postal voting in coming state election

KUCHING: Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) supported calls for Sabahans residing and working in Malaya be allowed to votes on the coming Sabah state elections through postal voting.

PBDS president Dr John Brian Anthony: Voting is not a privilege, but a right protected by the constitution.

Its president Dr John Brian Anthony said the voting rights of Sabahans in Malaya must respected.

He said PBDS acknowledges the recent public calls urging Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Election Commission (EC) to extend postal voting facilities to Sabahan voters currently residing or working in Malaya.

“We therefore urge the EC and federal government to explore and implement a mechanism for postal or remote voting for Sabahan voters in Malaya before the next state or general elections,” he said in a statement.

He said that voting is not a privilege, but a right protected by the constitution.

He added upholding that right for every Malaysian, regardless of where they are temporarily residing, is the true measure of our democratic maturity.

“PBDS stands with all efforts that advance the constitutional rights and democratic inclusion of every citizen, Sabahans, Sarawakians, and all Malaysians alike.

“Although PBDS is a Sarawak-based political party and does not operate in Sabah, we stand by the fundamental principle that voting is a constitutional right which must be accessible, fair, and inclusive for every Malaysian citizen, regardless of where they live or work within the federation,” he stressed.

He emphasised that it is a matter of constitutional equality for all eligible Malaysians to cast votes in every election and a right to choose the government.

He added that Article 119 of the Federal Constitution guarantees the rights of every eligible citizen to vote in the constituency where they are registered.

“The spirit of this Article is clear that no citizen should be effectively disenfranchised due to geography or economic circumstance.

“If a Sabahan is working in Malaya but remains a registered voter in Sabah, the system should provide a reasonable and secure mechanism, such as postal voting, for them to exercise that right,” John stressed.

Saying that it is a practical step to strengthening democracy, he said that PBDS views this not as a partisan issue but as a democratic housekeeping matter.

He said allowing postal voting for Sabahans in Malaya would strengthen the legitimacy of election outcomes, increase voter participation, and uphold Malaysia’s constitutional promise of equal access to the ballot box.

John believed that the EC already possesses the regulatory framework for various postal voting categories, adding that extending it to cover domestic inter-state voters is therefore not a constitutional leap, but an administrative refinement in the spirit of fairness.

He said PBDS recognises that Sabah’s electoral administration falls within its own state and federal jurisdiction, stating that the party does not seek to interfere or comment on the political affairs of Sabah.

“However, as a Sarawak party that values the integrity of democratic participation across all Bornean states, we echo the calls for the federal and election authorities to act swiftly and judiciously,” he said.

“From a broader Bornean standpoint, this issue reminds us that the unity of Malaysia is strengthened when rights are applied fairly to all regions.

“When Sabahans or Sarawakians living in Malaya can participate fully in elections back home, it reinforces not only democracy but also the spirit of equal partnership enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),” he said.

John stressed that PBDS supports any policy that strengthens access to democratic rights, transparency, and fairness in electoral participation.

 

On average, people in Samarahan live longer than the rest of Malaysians

KUCHING, Oct 12 2025: It is revealed that the people in Samarahan district, on average, live longer than Malaysians in other parts of the country, according Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing  Development Datuk Sri Fatimah Abdullah, quoting the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).

Fatimah: Sarawak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Labuan recorded life expectancy exceeding that national average  

She said Samarahan recorded highest increase in life expectancy at birth in 2023, which was 79.8 years, 80.4 years (2024) and 80.9 years (2025).

”However, the lowest life expectancy at birth was recorded in Kecil Lojing, Kelantan (63.6 years) in 2023, Kuala Penyu, Sabah (66.5 years) in 2024, and Kanowit (66.5 years) in 2025,” she said at the Samarahan-level Senior Citizens World Day at Rumah Sri Kenangan, an old folk home at Batu 12, near here.

She said overall, 30 out of 156 districts exceeded life expectancy at the national level, adding that the highest life expectancy at birth for men is in Kinabatangan, Sabah (79.8 years) while for women in Telupid, Sabah (82.8 years).

Quoting DOSM, Fatimah said Selangor, Sarawak, Kuala Lumpur and Labuan recorded life expectancy exceeding the national level in 2025.

She said the statistics show that Malaysia is now rapidly moving towards an ageing society, urging that there is a need to be prepared from social, economic and health aspects to ensure that the well-being of the elderly continues to be guaranteed.

She said the Sarawak government is very concerned about the welfare of the elderly, pointing out that among the initiatives that have been introduced include Senior Citizen Health Benefit (SCHB) – an allocation of RM50 million, allowing senior citizens aged 60 and above to receive treatment at panel clinics cashlessly for up to RM500 per year.

She said the scheme allows senior citizens to receive treatment for minor illnesses such as fever, flu, headaches, gout, minor injuries, as well as basic dental treatment such as tooth extractions and fillings.

She added there are now more than 290 panel clinics throughout Sarawak.

She said the state government has also introduced Sarawak Basic Needs Contribution (SKAS) – annual cash assistance between RM250 to RM800 to help with the cost of living of senior citizens.

She said another initiative is the Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC) – a privilege card that provides various discounts, benefits and priorities in public and private services.

She said the Mobile Service initiative helps senior citizens in rural areas register for assistance schemes without having to come to the city.

“In addition, health aspects are also emphasized in Sarawak such as at government hospitals where the Sarawak General Hospital provide various specialties, including the general medicine, mental health, orthopedics and ophthalmology.

“The GeKo (Community Geriatrics) programme is expanded to health clinics, focusing on at-risk senior citizens so that they remain healthy, independent, and avoid complications.

“All of this clearly shows the state government’s commitment in ensuring that Sarawak’s senior citizens receive comprehensive care, both in terms of treatment and community support,” Fatimah said.

Sarawak government to look into the details of the RM6 billion in development allocation

 KUCHING, Oct 12 2025: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has said that the state government will look into the details of the RM6 billion in development allocation announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Parliament last Friday.

“It is time for the federal government to give back our fair share so that we are not left behind with 70 per cent of federal government clinics and hospitals in Sarawak in dilapidated conditions ." - Dr Sim
 

“As in the past, the development allocations announced in the federal budgets, are meant for the completion of existing on-going projects in Sarawak,” he said when responding to the federal Budget 2026 that Anwar presented in Parliament.

Dr Sim, who is also the Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister, said Sarawak has financially contributed enormously to Malaysia over the last 50 years.  

“It is time for federal government to give back our fair share so that we are not left behind with 70 per cent of federal government clinics and hospitals in Sarawak in dilapidated conditions  which need RM17 billion to upgrade while Peninsular Malaysia has less government health facilities in dilapidated conditions,” he said.

Dr Sim, however, expressed his gratitude to the prime minister for speeding up the implementation of the Sarawak Cancer Centre in Kota Samarahan.

He said the centre is not just for the convenience of patients from Sarawak but is doing justice to the oncologists who are recognised worldwide but choose to serve in Sarawak.

He likened the oncologists serving in Sarawak to the Formula 1 drivers, but driving an ordinary car.

Dr Sim also expressed his hope that the federal government would consider the Sarawak government’s proposed formula on the special yearly grants payment accorded to both Sarawak and Sabah.

He said both states started receiving the RM600 million interim special payment under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 this year and to be continued next year.

He said the Sarawak government has submitted a formula to the federal government that the payment be based on certain formula rather than interim.

 

 

Sarawak DAP stands in solidarity with Tiong King Sing

KUCHING, Oct 11 2025: Sarawak DAP stands in solidarity with Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing against any call for his resignation as the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC) over the serving of beer at a private-funded dinner organised in conjunction with the launch of Global Travel Meet (GTM) in Kuala Lumpur recently.

Chong Chieng Jen: Since Tiong King Sing was made the minister, Malaysia's tourism industry made a powerful comeback since 2023
 

Its chairman Chong Chieng Jen said his party views that the call for Tiong’s resignation by the opposition is totally unwarranted as the minister has clearly explained in Parliament that the dinner where the alcoholic beverages were served was not a government official dinner paid for by MoTAC and as such there is no contravention of any government’s directive.  

“That dinner was a private-sector funded dinner and thus it is perfectly alright for him to attend,” Chong, who is also Stampin MP, said in a statement today.

“What more when the dinner was a celebration for the GTM event, which was projected to have generated over RM420 million in business impact for the country.

“Such performances and direct benefits to the country should be the main focus, rather than other sentiments that are not constructive and have the tendency to divide our multicultural and multi-religious country,” Chong said.

He said since Tiong was appointed as the minister under the Madani federal government, Malaysia’s tourism industry made a powerful comeback since 2023, collectively delivering nearly RM300 billion in tourism receipts.

He said from RM71.3 billion in 2023 to over RM100 billion in 2024, and projected to hit RM125 billion this year.

“With international arrivals climbing to 38 million in 2024 alone, a 31.1 per cent jump from the previous year, this shows how Malaysia is positioning itself as a global tourism beacon under the current Madani federal government,” he said.

He said between January until July 2025 this year, Malaysia has recorded a total of 28.2 million international arrivals, an increase of 14.5 per cent compared to the same period of 2024.

“After Tiong’s clarification in Parliament, any further call by the PAS and Perikatan Nasional (PN) leaders for his resignation on the matter only shows that these leaders will stop at nothing to smear and discredit the federal government, including ignoring any meritorious performance of a minister and playing up divisive racial sentiment,” he said.

“Equally guilty as the PAS and PN leaders in fanning this divisive sentiment are the SUPP leaders who try to mislead the public into believing that the Sarawak state government allows and will pay for alcoholic beverages to be served in state official functions by saying “We drink whenever we want”.

“Throughout my 20 years attending the Sarawak state dinners as a Sarawak Legislative Member (SLM), not a single drop of alcohol was served in all those dinners.  

“It seems that the Sarawak state government also does not allow nor pay for alcoholic drinks to be served in state official dinners.

“I also do not think the SUPP leaders can “drink” alcohol “whenever they want” in those state dinners,” Chong quipped.

He urged SUPP to help to put the “Santubong” brand of beer back on the shelves, help the local entrepreneur and stop such narrow-minded religious extremism ideology from burgeoning in Sarawak.

 

ends

PBK president says it is a fallacy to think that one-third allocation of parliamentary seats will benefit Sarawak and Sabah

 KUCHING, Oct 11 2025: Sarawakians and Sabahans should not be happy with the allocation of the combined one-third of the total number of parliamentary seats to Sarawak and Sabah, Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) president Voon Lee Shan has argued.

Voon Lee Shan says Sarawakians  should not be sure that MPs from Sarawak who represent Malayan parties will support  Sarawak and Sabah's interests when it comes to voting on constitutional issues that require the mandatory two-thirds majority in Parliament

He said  the one-third allocation of the parliamentary actually does not benefit the two Borneo regions while the two-thirds are still controlled by Malaya.

He said the one-third allocation is based on the assumption that all the parliamentary seats in Sarawak and Sabah are won by the local-born parties.

He said it is just a fallacy. 

He said Malayan-based political parties will also be competing for seats in Sarawak and Sabah.

“The argument that Malayan political parties will ensure only Sabahans and Sarawakians contest in Sabah and Sarawak for parliamentary seats is flawed,” Voon said in a statement, today.

“This is because our parliamentary system follows the Westminster parliamentary system whereby the Members of Parliament have to follow their party whips or party directions.

“This means that Sabahans and Sarawakians who win the parliamentary seats have to follow the directions of their parties in Malaya. Their allegiance, in that sense, is not with Sabah and Sarawak, but, Malaya,” he argued, adding that the one-third allocation will not be a safeguard to protect Sarawak and Sabah’s interests.

He said when it comes to voting on constitutional issues that affect the interests of Sarawak and Sabah and require mandatory two-thirds support of the total number of Members of Parliament,

the likelihood is that the Members of Parliament from Sarawak and Sabah will vote along party-line.

Voon suggested that Article 47 of the Federal Constitution relating to the qualifications of Members of Parliament should be amended to prohibit Malayans and Malayan political parties from contesting for parliamentary sears in Sarawak and Sabah.

“We need to think carefully that increasing the number of seats for Sarawak and Sabah would be like putting a rope to tie our necks, if Article 47 of the federal constitution is not amended,” he added.

“As it is now, unless disqualified under Article 48 of the Federal Constitution, Malayans and Malayan political parties can contest for any parliamentary seats in Sarawak and Sabah.

“At the same time, Article 16 of the Sarawak Constitution has to be amended too to prohibit all Malayan political parties to contest in the state elections.  Sabah should also do the same,” he added.

“As it is now in Sarawak, political parties from Malaya are not prohibited to contest in any state seats in Sarawak. Article 16 as it is now allows Malayans although born here to contest the state seats here.

“There are many Malayans, especially those in the government service, who are married to Sarawakians and have children here but after they have completed their tour of service, they have to go back to Malaya.

“Their children therefore, are citizens of Malaya, not Sarawak.

“By being in Sarawak should not qualify them as citizens of Sarawak. As it is, it seems that they qualify as citizens of Sarawak by operation of Article 16 of the Sarawak Constitution.

“Malayans tour of service here is not due to their own choice but due to duty. They should be disqualified from contesting in state seats in Sarawak.

“What will happen if political parties from Malaya are able to control the Sarawak Legislature? This will then allow Malayans to control Sarawak more easily,” he said, adding that it is a trap for Sarawakians to fall into.

Abang Johari explains why Sarawak govt is investing heavily on road networks

 KUCHING, Oct  11 2025: Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg explained the importance on the Sarawak government investing heavily to strengthen the infrastructure system throughout the state. 

Governor Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar cutting his 79th birthday cake, watched by Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari (second left).

“This is because without an efficient connectivity network, Sarawak’s economy will not be able to grow rapidly and inclusively,” he said at the 79^th birthday celebration of Governor Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar at Central Padang here.

“In addition to the Pan Borneo Highway project, Sarawak is also developing the Second Trunk Road (STR) which will shorten the distance and travel time between Sibu and Kuching,” he said.

He added the 225-kilometre STR, which starts from the Samarahan bridge and connects to the Pan Borneo Highway at the Roban Interchange, is expected to be completed in 2028 at a cost of RM5.58 billion.

He said at the same time, the 896-kilometre Coastal Highway is being constructed and is expected to be completed in 2027 at a cost of RM5.42 billion.

“This route will connect the coastal areas from Kota Samarahan, Asajaya, Sadong Jaya, Sebuyau,

Kabong, Tanjung Manis, Daro, Matu, Igan, Oya, Mukah, Balingian, Bintulu to Miri, before

connecting with the Pan Borneo Highway,” he said.

The premier said that infrastructure development also involves Northern Sarawak up to the Sabah border.

He said recently, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiated the ground-breaking ceremony for the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road Phase 2 (SSLR2) project.

He said the SSLR Phase 2 project will provide a new alignment to facilitate movement between Miri, Marudi, Mulu, Limbang, Lawas and Ba’ Kelalan directly to Sabah without going through Brunei via SSLR Phase 1.

“With a length of 335 kilometres and a cost of RM7.6 billion, this project is expected to be completed by mid- 2029,” he added.

Abang Johari said the state government is also implementing various initiatives to upgrade logging roads in the inland areas, especially in Kapit and Ulu Baram.

“All these projects will certainly strengthen connectivity in the northern areas of Sarawak and

open up new economic potential, especially in the agricultural and rural tourism sectors,” he said.

 

 

What will Sarawak get under Anwar's federal budget 2026?

KUCHING, Oct 10 2025: Sarawak will receive RM6 billion in development allocation under the federal budget 2026, compared to RM6.9 billion that neighbouring Sabah will receive.

Anwar: Sarawak will be allocated RM6 billion in development allocation for next year

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in tabling the budget in parliament today, said the two Borneo states will receive the highest allocations for next year.

He said the federal government is determined to ensure rapid development in the two states in line with the wishes of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

“This is not just a promise, but a concrete action to bridge the development gap, specially basic infrastructure, between the two states and the peninsula Malaysia,” Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said.

He said Sabah and Sarawak will receive the special grant of RM600 million each.

On the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road 1 (SSLR 1), he said it is expected to be completed in November 2026 while SSLR 2 is under construction and is expected to be completed in mid-2029.

He added the Trans Borneo Highway (LTB) project will complete the Sabah-Sarawak connection road, saying a letter of acceptance  for its construction is expected to be issued early next year.

Anwar said the government will upgrade the existing road pavement structure for the red line alignment in the Durin and Salim sections in Sibu at a cost of RM350 million.

He added to ensure that Sabah, Sarawak and the peninsula enjoy the best digital benefits, the MADANI Submarine Cable Extension (SALAM) will be developed by the Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) along 3,190 kilometres at a cost of RM2 billion.

“This will involve an undersea route from Sedili in Johor, to Kuching and Sibu in Sarawak and then to Tuaran, Kudat, Banggi Island, Sandakan and Tawau in Sabah,” he said.

Anwar also announced other proposed projects, such as building the main road in Kapit Division from Nanga Serau to Nanga Seranau, and construction of health clinic with Mukah quarters within the Mukah Division Integrated Health Complex.

The others are the beef cattle production enhancement programme, paddy and rice industry empowerment programme and the people's residency programme (PRR) in Samariang.

He said an allocation of RM1.5 billion for the construction and upgrading new facilities for uniformed bodies, including the Sarawak police headquarters in Kuching, Sungai Tujoh ICQS in Miri and additional building for the 23^rd Battalion of the General Operation Force in Sri Aman.

Anwar also announced that for next year, all nine million STR recipients will also receive SARA up to RM100  per month or 1,200 ringgit per year.

Meanwhile, one million STR recipients under eKasih will receive SARA up to 200 ringgit per month or 2,400 ringgit per year.

The unmarried category will receive RM600, which is RM50 per month through SARA.

The maximum rate to be received by a household is RM4,600 for families with five children.

The Government will once again give RM100 under SARA to 22 million Malaysians aged 18 and above.

This will be channeled in mid-February in time for Ramadan preparations and Chinese New Year celebrations.

Anwar said new schools will be built to meet the needs of the local population, including

SK Sri Sadong in Serian and SMK Desa Wira in Batu Kawah.

He said three new unity activity centres will be built at a cost of RM46 million ringgit, including  Miri Unity Activity Centre.

Anwar said specifically for the people in rural and interiors of Sabah and Sarawak, RM250 million is provided to cover the cost of distribution of basic goods to areas such as Taradas, Kudat and Kawayoi, Kinabatangan, Sabah as well as Entaroh, Kapit and Nanga Segeris, Sibu.

Election Commission in process of preparing recommendations to review Sarawak's parliamentary electoral boundaries

KUCHING, Oct 10, 2025: -The Election Commission (EC) is in the process of preparing recommendations for a review of the parliamentary electoral boundaries for Sarawak, according to Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. 

Caption: The time has come to review the parliamentary constituencies for Sarawak

She explained that the review is carried out based on the principles and procedures outlined under the Thirteenth Schedule of the Federal Constitution as well as the jurisdiction provided under Article 113 of the Federal Constitution. 

“The time has come to review  the parliamentary constituencies for Sarawak after eight years. The eight-year timeline had  ended on August 21, 2023, and at this time the EC is in the process of preparing the recommendations,” she said when explaining the current status of the re-delineation  process in a written reply to Pagoh Member of Parliament Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today. 

According to WAI.fm. Azalina also explained that for Sabah, the eight-year period ended on February 21, 2025, while for states in peninsular Malaysia, it will end on March 9, 2026.  

“The process for each state can only be implemented after the eight-year period ends or if there is a legal amendment to the number of members of the Dewan Rakyat or State Legislative Assembly,” she said. 

She further said that once the study recommendations for re-delineation for Sarawak have been prepared, a notice will be displayed to allow stakeholders to submit representations during the public exhibition period.  

She said if there are objections, a local inquiry will be held as provided for in Part II, Thirteenth Schedule of the Federal Constitution. 

“The local inquiry can be conducted at the request of the Sarawak government, local authorities or a group of at least 100 registered voters in the area concerned,” she added. 

 Azalina also stressed that issues of transparency or fairness do not arise in the redelineation process because every stakeholder will be given space to be involved. 

 “The Prime Minister will then have to table the demarcation review report and the draft demarcation order in the Dewan Rakyat to gain a simple majority support,” she explained. 

She stressed that the Dewan Rakyat members will play an important role when the motion is tabled later — whether to approve or reject it in line with the spirit of democracy and the transparency of the country’s electoral process.  

In August this year, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Sri Fadillah Yusof had said that the federal government had agreed in principle to consider increasing the number of parliamentary seats for Sabah and Sarawak. 

He had said the proposal was agreed in principle by Prime Minister Datuk Sri Anwar Ibrahim during the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63) meeting in Kuching. 

However, he said the proposed increase in the number of seats would require further discussions as there were differing legal views between the Attorney-General of Sarawak, Attorney-General of Sabah and federal Attorney-General.  

In the May sitting of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (SLA), Deputy Minister of Law, Malaysia Agreement 1963 and State-Federal Relations, Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali had said no final decision had been made yet on the proposed re-delineation exercises of electoral boundaries in Sarawak. 

She said discussions between the state government and the federal government were ongoing, saying that the discussions on  strengthening Sarawak's representation in the Dewan Rakyat had remained active under the framework of MA63. 

She said the Sarawak government had consistently pursued the demand to restore the one-third representation for Sarawak and Sabah in Parliament as originally envisaged under the MA63 and the Inter-Governmental Committee Report 1962.

Soon Koh slams Umno Youth chief for politically motivated attack against Tiong King Sing

 KUCHING, Oct 9 2025: Bawang Assan Sarawak State Legislative Member (SLM) Datuk Sri Wong Soon Koh has slammed Umno Youth chief Datuk Akmal Salleh for persistently launching such deliberate, divisive, inflammatory, and politically motivated attacks against Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Sri Tiong King Sing. 

Datuk Sri Wong Soon Koh asks Akmal Salleh:What have you done for Malaysia?

He said Akmal’s actions risk making the unity government, which includes Umno, look extreme and fundamentally intolerant on the global stage.

“While Tiong is delivering results and bringing in revenue for the nation, what exactly are you doing?” Wong asked Akmal, in a statement.

He said the Umno Youth chief may have picked the wrong person to attack.

“He (Tiong) is representing the mandate of Sarawak. He is not from peninsular Malaysia and neither is he the one to be easily bullied by your narrow and manipulative politics.

“When you attack him, you are not just attacking an individual, you are attacking a leader who carries the political weight of Sarawak,” Wong said.

Wong, who is also Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) senior vice president, said that if Malaysia is divided racially and religiously “we will be slaughtered in the face of the changing global dynamics.”

He said he welcomes a positive and constructive policy debate, but not racial, religious, or personal attacks.

“Your persistent rhetoric and divisive actions have inflicted a great deal of harm on our nation which was built on the principles of moderation and inclusivity,” he added.

Wong also slammed Akmal for asking Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to sack Tiong as the federal minister.

He said Tiong’s position is not for Akmal to decide, nor will he quit.

Wong said if Akmal cannot work with a multicultural government, then he is free to leave Umno, which is in the coalition government.

“There is no time for responsible leaders to dabble in rhetoric and slogan-shoutings,” Wong said, adding that Tiong has consistently worked to promote Malaysia as a united, inclusive and world-class destination, bringing together all races and faiths to drive country’s economy through tourism.

“All leaders should  therefore reject divisive rhetoric and focus instead on strengthening inter-communal trust.

“We should not allow reckless words to destroy mutual respect that we have long nurtured in our multi- cultural and multi-religious nation.

“We should not allow political theatrics to rear its ugly head,” he said.