Kuching: The Democratic Action Party Socialist Youth (DAPSY) Sarawak has called on the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) to immediately withdraw its plan to increase the number of state cabinet ministers, warning that the move is unnecessary and risks turning government positions into political rewards rather than improving governance efficiency.
DAPSY Sarawak Secretary George Lam said the state administration is already “extraordinarily large,” noting the current structure includes one Premier, three Deputy Premiers, seven ministers, 27 deputy ministers, and 31 political secretaries.
“With such an oversized administrative structure, the public sees absolutely no justification for further expanding the state cabinet.
“Based on the existing number of ministers and deputy ministers, there are already 38 of them – nearly half of the entire 82-seat State Legislative Assembly,” he said in a statement.
His remarks come after the statement made by the Sarawak DUN Speaker, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, on 22 November 2025 in The Borneo Post, which said that the Sarawak Cabinet will be expanded to accommodate a larger line-up of ministers in line with the state’s growing administrative demands and development ambitions.
Lam added that if an additional four ministers are appointed, the total will rise to 42, which means more than half of all elected representatives will be part of the administration.
“Such a bloated structure clearly exposes Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) inefficiency and inability to manage governance effectively, hence its need to constantly expand the cabinet.
“GPS has failed to provide any convincing or legitimate reason to justify the creation of more ministerial positions,” he said.
He stressed that the real issue in Sarawak is not the number of ministers but the effectiveness and accountability of those currently in office.
“If ministers do not work, adding more ministers will only result in more seat-warmers – nothing more,” he said.
He also dismissed the DUN Speaker’s explanation that ministers are overburdened with multiple portfolios, leading to delays in winding-up sessions.
“The proper solution is to reform the State Assembly system by extending sitting days and debate hours, not to expand the cabinet,” Lam said.
Highlighting concerns over weak legislative oversight, Lam pointed out that the Assembly currently has only two opposition assemblymen, with no recognition of the Opposition Leader and no opposition presence in any select committees, including the crucial Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
“This situation is deeply unhealthy and strips the people of their right to proper oversight,” he said.
He called on GPS to focus on improving efficiency within the existing structure, enhancing transparency, and ensuring opposition assembly members are represented in all select committees.
According to Lam, such reforms are vital for safeguarding accountability and ensuring that the interests of the people remain the top priority.
“GPS should focus on improving governance efficiency instead of rushing to distribute this ‘cake of power’ to more ruling party assemblymen.
“What Sarawak urgently needs is not more cabinet ministers, but a stronger legislative oversight system that empowers opposition assemblymen to carry out their crucial role in checks and balances,” he said.
