Chong says DAPs stance is rooted in concerns over unequal voter representation, noting that some urban constituencies have about 70,000 voters compared to around 11,000 in certain rural seats.
KUCHING (April 21): Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak is not opposed to increasing the number of state seats, but objects to what it describes as unfair delineation and elements of gerrymandering, said its chairman Chong Chieng Jen.
The Stampin MP and Padungan assemblyman said the party’s stance is rooted in concerns over unequal voter representation, noting that some urban constituencies have about 70,000 voters compared to around 11,000 in certain rural seats.
“With such disparity, one rural vote carries significantly more weight than an urban vote. This undermines the very basis of our democratic process,” he said.
He was responding to remarks by Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap, who had criticised DAP’s position and said it could weaken efforts to strengthen Sarawak’s representation at both state and federal levels.
Chong said Yap, who is Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) assistant treasurer, had conflated two separate issues, stressing that opposing the manner in which seats are delineated is not the same as opposing an increase in the number of seats.
“As a legislator, Wilfred should know the difference between these issues,” Chong said, adding that DAP supports efforts to strengthen Sarawak’s voice in Parliament but not through what it views as an unfair process.
He further alleged that the redelineation exercise contains elements of gerrymandering that favour certain parties within the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak coalition.
Chong also criticised SUPP for remaining silent on disparities between rural and urban voter representation, claiming the party has failed to address the issue despite its declining share of seats.
