Sarawak DAP prepares for state elections anticipated in final quarter, as opposition seeks more assembly seats
KUCHING: The Sarawak DAP is ramping up preparations for state elections, with party officials anticipating polls could be called within the coming months.
Violet Yong, who heads the state DAP women’s wing and represents Pending in the State Legislative Assembly, indicated that Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg may announce the electoral schedule during the final quarter of 2025.
“The likelihood is strong that voting will take place in October or November,” Yong stated during a gathering at the party’s Kuching headquarters.
She emphasised the urgency of preparation, noting the current political landscape in the state assembly.
“Our opposition presence is limited to just two seats, while Gabungan Parti Sarawak controls 80 seats,” Yong explained. “This imbalance undermines effective oversight and accountability of the governing coalition.”
The state DAP is targeting additional seats to strengthen its role as a check on government authority. Party chairman Chong Chien Jen currently holds the Padungan constituency.
Recent data highlights a dramatic expansion in electoral rolls across major urban centers throughout Sarawak, with voter numbers doubling in key constituencies spanning the state’s southern, central, and northern regions.
Geoffrey Tang, president of Rise of Social Efforts Sarawak (ROSE), has compiled statistics revealing substantial increases in cities including Kuching, Miri, Sibu, and Bintulu.
The civil society organisation documented that Senadin constituency in Miri has registered 73,430 voters, while at least 21 additional state seats have surpassed 23,000 registered voters each.
Constituencies experiencing significant voter growth include multiple seats in southern Sarawak such as Pantai Damai, Tupong, Samariang, Pending, Batu Lintang, Kota Sentosa, Batu Kitang, Batu Kawah, Mambong, and Muara Tuang.
Central Sarawak has seen increases in Stakan, Tarat, Repok, Bukit Assek, Dudong, Pelawan, and Nangka, while northern constituencies including Tanjung Batu, Pujut, Senadin, Piasau, and Lambir have experienced similar trends.
Tang has urged the Election Commission to prioritise redistricting these high-population constituencies to ensure adequate representation.
“Electoral boundary reviews in Sarawak must be based on current demographic data to ensure transparency, fairness, and proper representation for voters in these crucial constituencies,” he stated.
In July of the previous year, the State Legislative Assembly approved legislation to expand the number of constituencies from 82 to 99.
Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who serves as Sarawak’s Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts and represents Asajaya, presented the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill 2025 during a special assembly session.
Karim justified the expansion by citing population growth and Sarawak’s geographical complexity.
“With voter numbers rising and considering our state’s unique territorial challenges, additional elected representatives are essential to serve the people effectively,” he explained.
The minister noted that the reduction of minimum voting age from 21 to 18 years has contributed to electoral roll expansion in both urban and rural areas.
He emphasised that the constituency increase aligns with federal constitutional provisions, specifically Article 113(2), which permits boundary reviews every eight years. Sarawak’s last redistricting exercise occurred in 2015.
The Election Commission retains authority over final decisions regarding new electoral boundaries, though no determination has yet been made on implementing the constituency increase from the current 82 seats.
