Expanding State Cabinet is irresponsible and self-serving, PBK Voon charges

KUCHING, Nov 24 2025: Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) has expressed its opposition to a move by the state government to increase the number of ministers by another four that would bring the total to  15 including the premier. 

Voon Lee Shan: Sarawak will have a bloated Cabinet

Its president Voon Lee Shan said the plan to expand the Sarawak Cabinet is nothing short of irresponsible and self-serving.

“At a time when Sarawakians are demanding better roads, clean water, reliable healthcare, and stronger economic opportunities, the government’s priority appears to be creating more political posts for its own allies,” Voon said when responding to the tabling of the Constitution amendment bill that sought to increase the number of ministers.

He said Sarawak has a population of about 2.7 million, yet the state government wants to grow its Cabinet to 15, giving Sarawakians one minister for every 168,000 people, saying that it is one of the most bloated ratios in the region.

Voon said even global powers with far bigger populations and far more complex responsibilities operate with leaner cabinets:

He cited  the United States as an example that has a population of about 330 million, but 15 Cabinet members.

He also said Australia, with a population of about 26 million, has 24 ministers while Canada, with a population of about 40 million, has 38 ministers.

He added China has 26 ministers, although it has a population of about 1.4  billion.”

“If countries of this scale do not require oversized cabinets, what justification does Sarawak have?” he asked, saying:”The answer is obvious: political accommodation, not public service.”

He said the expansion is not about governance, adding it is about rewarding political partners, securing internal loyalties, and strengthening the ruling coalition’s grip on power—at the expense of the rakyat.

Voon also asked the state government to disclose the financial implication of expanding the State Cabinet.

Early this afternoon, Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the increase in the number of state ministers is both reasonable and necessary.

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 Sarawak Legislative Assembly.

“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.

Was PDP president Tiong going against GPS directive not to campaign for any party or candidate in the Sabah election?

KUCHING, Nov 24 2025: Is there such a  directive issued by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) not to support or campaign for any party or candidate in the Sabah state election? 

Caption: PDP president Tiong King Sing speaking at Kampung Merotai Iban to show support for PH candidate Datuk Ruji Ubi - Facebook/Tiong King Sing

According to Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) deputy president Henry Harry Jinep, there was a directive issued by GPS chairman Abang Johari Openg, the premier of Sarawak.

If there is such a directive, how is it that PDP president Tiong King Sing was “visiting Kampung Merotai to show support for Datuk Ruji Ubi”, the Pakatan Harapan candidate for the Merotai state seat.

Was Tiong, the tourism, arts and culture,  against the directive issued by GPS not to take part in campaigning any party or candidate in the Sabah election?

Writing on his Facebook two days ago, he said he had the honour of visiting Kg Merotai Iban to show support for Datuk Ruji Ubi, the candidate from Pakatan Harapan.

“Through meaningful conversations with the village elders and local youth, I gained a deeper appreciation for the distinct heritage and cultural strength of this uniquely Iban community in Sabah. “It is clear that the village shares a firm vision for developing a cultural village and creating authentic, immersive tourism experiences.

“The commitment and enthusiasm of the villagers stand out,” he said.

Caption: PDP president Tiong King Sing at a ceramah at Kampung Merotai Iban - Facebook/Tiong King Sing
 

He said Merotai is rich in cultural traditions and blessed with impressive natural assets, adding that the potential here is undeniable.

“With the right support, the village can grow into a compelling tourism destination that allows visitors to truly experience Iban identity, stories, and resilience,” he said.

Tiong said Ruji is well-positioned to help realise this vision, adding that his extensive administrative experience and strong understanding of government processes make him an effective advocate for the community.

“With a clear mandate, he can streamline documentation, land matters, and applications, and secure the resources needed to advance cultural and community development.

“I also call on all Sabahans working away from home to return and vote on November 29. Your vote carries real impact and will shape the future direction of Merotai,” he added.

On Nov 19, Henry had told reporters that GPS was not taking part in campaigning for the Sabah state polls.

Quoted by the Borneo Post, he said any coalition members found doing so would face disciplinary action.

He was commenting on a video showing a PDP Marudi member claiming to be helping with the campaign in Sabah.

According to Henry, the GPS chairman and premier had already communicated with PDP president Dato Sri Tiong King Sing over the matter.

“The individual, who introduced himself as a ‘Datuk’ and wore a GPS shirt in the video, is indeed a PDP member from Marudi branch, but had acted entirely on his own.

He stressed that GPS’ position on the matter is firm.

“Our directive is clear — no GPS members should go to Sabah to campaign. The party did not send anyone to Sabah to campaign on behalf of PDP or GPS. That is not our stand,” he said as quoted by the Borneo Post.

Henry the case of the Datuk campaigning in Sabah would be referred to PDP’s disciplinary committee and the party’s leadership.

On how the PDP Marudi member would be disciplined, Henry said the party’s disciplinary committee would meet before making any recommendation.

 

Additional four more ministers is both reasonable and necessary, Karim says when tabling amendment to State Constitution

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.