KUCHING, Feb 23 2026: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Youth today expressed firm and full support to a call by Deputy Speaker Idris Buang for Parliament to give approval to the proposed increase in the number of seats of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (SLA) from 82 to 99.
Its chief Christopher Gira Sambang (picture) said the statement by Idris reflects the true realities of Sarawak - a vast state with a growing population and significant rural development needs that require continuous attention.
“As an example, Tamin constituency is geographically very large, covering numerous longhouses and rural settlements located far apart from one another,” Gira, who represents the constituency, said in a statement in responding to the deputy speaker’s call to parliament.
He said the real challenges in Tamin include road access that still requires upgrading, the need for clean water supply and basic infrastructure and long travel distances to effectively serve constituents.
“In such circumstances, the creation of an additional seat is not a political luxury, but a practical necessity to ensure rural communities are not disadvantaged by the sheer size of their constituency,” he added.
He noted that a resolution has already been passed by the SLA and that the next step now requires approval by parliament.
Gira said PRS Youth is of the view that if the review conducted by the Election Commission has been thorough and professional, there should be no reasonable grounds for delay.
He called upon all Members of Parliament, particularly those from Sarawak, to place the interests of the people above political differences and grant the necessary approval for balanced development.
He said the MPs should recognise that the increase in seats is a structural adjustment, not an excessive demand, adding that Sarawak requires a representation framework that reflects its geographical and demographic realities.
“As the younger generation in leadership, PRS Youth stands firm in defending fair representation for the people of Sarawak,” he stressed, pointing out that this is not just merely about numbers, but also
