Sarawak will table a bill to increase state cabinet members, citing expanding administrative needs and its goal to become a premier ASEAN region
KUCHING: A bill to expand the Sarawak state cabinet through a constitutional amendment will be tabled next week.
State Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar said this move addresses the state’s rapidly growing administrative responsibilities.
He confirmed the Constitution of the State of Sarawak (Amendment) Bill 2025 will be tabled by Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah during the November 24 to December 3 sitting.
“The ever-expanding, stupendous tasks and responsibilities of the Cabinet inescapably require an increase in the number of ministers,” Mohamad Asfia told a press conference.
He noted some ministers currently handle two or three portfolios, resulting in lengthy legislative speeches.
The cabinet expansion follows the recent increase in state assemblymen from 82 to 99 members.
“It is high time to increase the number of Cabinet members,” he said, adding that deputy minister positions will remain unaffected.
Mohamad Asfia acknowledged potential objections but stressed Sarawak needs a stronger administrative structure.
He said legal considerations must accommodate political realities as the state pursues ambitious development goals.
“There is rising expectation from the people,” he stated, referencing Sarawak’s 2030 target to become Malaysia’s premier region.
“Our destination is to make Sarawak a premier region, a player in ASEAN, if not internationally,” Mohamad Asfia declared.
He described this ambition as “not just our destination; it is our destiny.”
Other legislation scheduled includes the Supply (2026) Bill and Supplementary Supply (2025) Bill.
The Building (Amendment) Bill and Sustainable Resources and Wastes Management Bill 2025 will also be tabled alongside the Sarawak Budget 2026. – Bernama
