Sibu: Sibu MP Oscar Ling Chai Yew will file an objection against the proposed redelineation of Sarawak state constituencies, urging voters in affected areas to actively participate in the process to ensure electoral boundaries are drawn fairly, transparently, and in accordance with population, administrative boundaries, and community identity.
Oscar said the proposal raised concerns over excessive voter numbers in several constituencies, boundaries that do not adequately follow existing administrative jurisdictions, unreasonable transfers of areas, and proposed constituency names that fail to reflect local history and identity.
“We are not opposed to the redelineation of Sarawak’s state constituencies. However, we insist that the process must be carried out according to reasonable, transparent and consistent principles, and that electoral boundaries must not be redrawn merely for political convenience,” he said.
Oscar said Pelawan, Nangka, and Bukit Kemuyang have become excessively large in terms of geographical area and voter population, arguing that the constituencies should be reorganised into at least four new state seats to reflect population growth and future development needs better.
He suggested that state constituencies should ideally have around 20,000 voters to ensure more balanced representation.
Oscar also questioned the proposed boundaries of Rassau, which he said extend into areas under Mukah’s administrative jurisdiction.
He warned that electoral boundaries crossing administrative jurisdictions could complicate government coordination, development planning, and public service delivery.
Oscar further called for the proposed Rassau constituency to be renamed Bawang Assan, saying the longstanding place name carries stronger historical, geographical, and community significance.
He also questioned the proposed transfer of Sentosa and Usaha Jaya from Lanang to Bukit Kemuyang, saying the move would increase the voter population of the Sibu parliamentary constituency, P.212, from 110,857 to 115,270, while reducing Lanang from 91,484 to 87,071.
Oscar called for the Election Commission to explain the principle behind the adjustment and questioned whether political considerations had influenced the proposed boundaries.
“We do not want to see electoral boundaries drawn to choose voters or used as a political tool,” he said.
Under the objection procedure, at least 100 voters from each affected proposed constituency must support an objection.
Oscar urged voters to come forward and lend their support, stressing that redelineation directly affects future political representation.
“Electoral boundaries should be drawn for the people, not for political parties,” he said.
