Tamin rep proposes new state constituency under Selangau
SIBU: Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang has proposed the creation of a new state constituency under the Selangau parliamentary constituency.
He said that the existing two state constituencies under Selangau – Tamin and Kakus – are too big, with a land size of 3,494 square kilometres and 5,625 square kilometres, respectively.
“There are 30,000 voters in Tamin and Kakus. So if the Election Commission (EC) decides to carry out a redelineation of electoral boundaries for Sarawak, one new constituency should be created under Selangau parliamentary,” he said when contacted yesterday.
Gira, who is Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) deputy publicity chief, suggested that the new seat be carved out from Tamin and Kakus, with the proposed name of Bukit Arip.
At the farewell party for outgoing Selangau district officer Inting Nyami on Wednesday, Gira had informed that proposals pertaining to the matter would be submitted to the EC.
“Another proposed new state constituency is Mapai under Kanowit parliamentary constituency. In Kapit too, there will be new state constituencies,” he added.
He expected the redelineation exercise to create new state constituencies mostly in Dayak-majority areas.
“For me, it does not matter which party (under Gabungan Parti Sarawak) will contest in the new seats later. The important thing is this redelineation exercise will increase the number of Dayak elected representatives.
“That is what matters to us because the party is our platform. Regardless of which component party we are from, be it Parti Pesaka Bumiputera
Bersatu, PRS or Progressive Democratic Party, our (Dayak elected representatives) number must be the same or more than others.
“This way we do not need to fight who should be fielded in the future as long as the seats are held by Dayaks,” he said.