Next state election may be contested based on the current 82 seats if the proposed increase from 82 to 99 has not received Parliament's approval

KOTA SAMARAHAN, Feb 22 2026:  Deputy Speaker Idris Buang has said that the coming state election may be contested based on the current 82 state seats, if Parliament does not approve a proposal to increase the number to 99 before  the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly (SLA)

Deputy Speaker Idris Buang: As of now the state government is waiting for proposal to increase the number of state seats from 82 to 99 by Parliament, as provided for under the Federal Constitution. 

He said he does not see any reason for Parliament to reject the proposed increase, as long as the study by the Election Commission (EC) is conducted professionally and thoroughly.

He, however, stressed that the final decision requires sincerity and due consideration from members of Parliament for the collective benefit of Sarawakians.

The term of the current the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (SLM) expires early next year as the last state election was held on December 18 2021.

Addressing the possibility of a state election being held before the approval is secured, Idris said that if an election were called in the interim, it would be contested based on the existing 82 seats.

“The timing and determination of the election remain at the discretion of the Sarawak premier. It depends entirely on the considerations of the state’s top leadership,” he explained, referring to Premier Abang Johari Openg.

He noted there is no external pressure on the state leadership to fix a date, whether they choose to wait for the additional seats to be approved or to proceed otherwise.

The decision remains open and rests solely with the Premier. -

Idris, who is also the State Legislative Member for Muara Tuang, said as of now the state government is waiting for proposal to increase the number of state seats from 82 to 99 by Parliament, as provided for under the Federal Constitution.

He said the resolution has already been sanctioned at the state level while the final outcome now rests on the subsequent legislative processes in Putrajaya.

“Sarawak is experiencing significant growth in both population and developmental needs. Our territory is vast, and many rural areas are still in need of essential infrastructure such as roads, hospitals, and schools,” he said when met by reporters.

He noted that increasing the number of elected representatives to 99 would ensure a more balanced distribution of development, creating a more comprehensive impact for the people.