Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today tabled in the Dewan Rakyat a motion that recommends increasing by 11 to 82 the number of state constituencies in Sarawak.
The motion on the Report on the Redelineation of Sarawak Electoral Boundaries says the recommendations were gazetted on Dec 5 last year.
"The new constituencies are Batu Kitang, Stakan, Serembu, Bukit Semuja, Gedong, Kabong, Tellian, Bukit Goram, Murum, Samalaju and Mulu," Najib said when tabling the motion.
He said these additional constituencies would help to enhance the services elected representatives delivered to the people.
"They will facilitate interaction between the elected representatives and the constituents on matters associated with the welfare of the people and help towards development in the constituencies," he said.
Najib said there was no change to the number of federal constituencies but redelineation had been done in view of the formation of the new state constituencies.
A recommendation had been made to change the name of one federal constituency, P198, from Mambong to Puncak Borneo, he said.
"It has also been proposed that the names of four state constituencies be changed - N19, from Bengoh to Mambong; N34, from Batang Air to Batang Ai; N41, from Belawai to Kuala Rajang and N68, from Kidurong to Tanjong Batu," he said.
The premier said it was difficult to allocate an equal number of constituents for every federal and state constituency in Sarawak due to the varying nature of the rural topography and demography.
"This has indirectly created limitations in terms of remoteness of locations, great distances between locations in remote areas as well as limited transportation links and modes of transport.
"As a result, the concentration of the population in the urban areas is far higher than the number of people in the rural areas," he said.
Najib said the Election Commission tried its best to ease the burden of elected representatives, especially in areas where transportation links and modes of transport are limited.
"It is hoped that these recommendations can help the elected representatives to make the delivery of services more efficient and effective and raise the economic standard and spur development in the rural areas," he said.
The PM said the government had studied closely these recommendations and did not propose any modification because the redelineation exercise had been undertaken based on the provisions in the Federal Constitution.
The motion was seconded by Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah.
Bernama
Wed Dec 02 2015
The new constituencies in Sarawak are Batu Kitang, Stakan, Serembu, Bukit Semuja, Gedong, Kabong, Tellian, Bukit Goram, Murum, Samalaju and Mulu.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.