KUCHING, Nov 24 2025: An increase in the number of members of State Cabinet by an additional four is both reasonable and necessary, Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Ministet Datuk Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah told the State Legislative Assembly (SLA) today.
Abdul Karim: Several ministers are currently entrusted with multiple portfolios
He said the increase will strengthen the state’s executive machinery, enhance policy coordination and ensure that ministerial portfolios can be distributed evenly and ministerial duties be implemented effectively.
“What is more important is that, it will also enable the Sarawak government to respond more effectively to the needs of the people and to deliver services to the rakyat with greater focus and attention across all key sectors,” he said when tabling the Constitution of the state of Sarawak (Amendment) Bill 2025 at the SLA.
“It must also be acknowledged that several ministers are currently entrusted with multiple portfolios, resulting in a heavier administrative responsibilities and increased demands on ministers to manage a wider range of duties across key sectors,” Karim said.
With the increase, the State Cabinet will have 15 members including the premier.
Karim noted that the present structure of the State Cabinet comprises of the premier and 10 members, adding that this is made in accordance with Article 6(3) of the State Constitution, which states that State Cabinet consists the premier; and not more than ten nor less than four other members from among the members of SLA.
He said SLAi had, during its Special Sitting in July this year, passed the Members of SLA (Composition of Members) Ordinance, 2025 (Chapter 89).
“This Ordinance came into force on August 8, 2025, thereby increasing the number of members of the august House from 82 to 99,” he said.
He added with the increase in the number of constituencies and administrative areas, the present composition of the State Cabinet is no longer proportionate to the state’s expanding governance structure.
In winding up the debate on the bill, Karim said the State Cabinet must continue to evolve in step with Sarawak’s growth and the aspirations of its people.
He said the proposed amendment is a reflection of the state government’s commitment to
strengthen the capacity of the Sarawak government so that it can better serve the people and meet the evolving needs of every part of Sarawak.
The present structure of the State Cabinet was constituted following an amendment to the State Constitution on Nov 4 1995.
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