Kuching: DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) Stampin Chief Soo Tien Ren has voiced strong concern over the Sarawak Government’s decision to convene a one-day special sitting of the State Legislative Assembly scheduled for 7 July 2025.
Although the official agenda has not been publicly disclosed, sources suggest that the sitting may involve the redelineation of electoral boundaries – a move Soo describes as “highly inappropriate” if true.
“Rushing through such an important matter in a single day is unacceptable. Redelineating electoral constituencies and adding new seats will have profound and long-term consequences for Sarawak’s political landscape.
“This process deserves thorough debate, transparency, and legitimacy, not a hurried session behind closed doors,” Soo said in a statement.
He warned that a one-day sitting would not provide adequate time for lawmakers to voice their views or scrutinize proposed changes.
“Where is the spirit of democracy?” he asked, stressing that meaningful discourse cannot happen under such time constraints.
Soo also emphasised the need for redelineation efforts if they are indeed on the agenda to be guided by fair, transparent principles that reflect Sarawak’s demographic diversity.
“In our multicultural society, particularly in Sarawak, constituency boundaries must ensure fair representation for all communities, including minorities.
“The principle of ‘one person, one vote’ must be upheld while balancing ethnic and regional considerations,” he said.
Beyond the redelineation issue, Soo expressed broader concerns about legislative transparency and governance.
“Any attempt to table and pass laws in a single day undermines democratic integrity. Such haste risks turning the legislative process into a mere formality and consolidating executive power at the expense of open debate,” he said.
He called on the Sarawak Government to clarify the purpose of the upcoming sitting and to extend its duration, allowing all elected representatives to participate meaningfully.
“That is the very least democracy demands,” he concluded.
