DAP S'wak objects to EC redelineation, urges five seats each for Kuching City and Stampin

KUCHING, 29 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

Sarawak DAP lodges seven objections to EC’s redelineation, demands five constituencies each for Kuching City and Stampin to curb voter disparity

The party’s demands—five constituencies each for both divisions—aim to align voter distribution with constitutional guidelines and the principle of "one person, one vote, one value," as DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen stressed during a Facebook livestream following the submission.

The EC’s draft, which proposes expanding Sarawak’s state seats from 82 to 99, has drawn criticism for creating significant voter disparities, with some constituencies potentially holding as few as 10,000 voters while others exceed 30,000—a variance of up to 50%.

Chong argued that the current proposal undermines democratic fairness, as the average voter per seat in Kuching City (116,679 electors) and Stampin (120,000 electors) would remain at 29,000–30,000, far above the statewide target of 20,500 voters per constituency for Sarawak’s 2.03 million eligible electorate.

The DAP’s counter-proposal—five constituencies each for Kuching City (Pending, Padungan, Batu Lintang, Kenyalang, and Taman Jaya) and Stampin (Batu Kitang, Stakan, Batu Kawah, Kota Sentosa, and Batu Kawa)—would reduce the average to roughly 24,000 voters per seat, closer to the constitutional margin of 16,000–25,000.

Chong, who is also the Member of Parliament for Stampin, submitted his objection as a registered voter in Kuching City alongside the required 100 co-signers. His special assistant and DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) deputy chief, Su Tian Ren, separately filed a challenge against the proposed boundaries for Batu Kitang.

The seven objections—five targeting Kuching City and Stampin, and two focusing on Bintulu and Tanjong Batu—reflect the party’s broader push to address what it views as systemic inequities in the EC’s redelineation process.

The EC’s draft, part of a broader effort to modernize Sarawak’s electoral map, requires parliamentary approval through a constitutional amendment backed by a two-thirds majority of at least 112 MPs. However, the timing of the redelineation’s completion remains uncertain, with no guarantee it will be finalized before the next state election.

Chong noted that the expansion to 99 seats—an increase of 17—would require significant legislative coordination, though the EC has not yet announced a public hearing for objections.

The DAP’s intervention underscores growing political tensions over electoral fairness in Sarawak, where urban divisions like Kuching City and Stampin have seen rapid population growth. The party’s demands highlight concerns that the EC’s proposal may disproportionately favor rural constituencies, where voter numbers are naturally lower. With the next state election looming, the outcome of these objections could influence the balance of power in Sarawak’s legislature, particularly if the redelineation alters the representation of opposition-held seats.

The EC has not yet responded to the DAP’s objections, but the public hearing phase will be critical in determining whether the proposed boundaries are adjusted. The party’s insistence on five constituencies for Kuching City and Stampin reflects its strategic focus on urban areas, where voter density and political engagement are highest. Should the EC reject the objections, the DAP may escalate its challenge through legal or parliamentary channels, further complicating the redelineation process.

The redelineation debate also intersects with broader national discussions on electoral reform, particularly as Malaysia prepares for potential federal and state elections. The EC’s draft, if implemented, would reshape Sarawak’s political landscape, potentially benefiting parties with strong rural support while diluting the influence of urban voters. The DAP’s objections signal its determination to counter what it perceives as an unfair distribution, setting the stage for a contentious public hearing and possible legal battles ahead.

Related: Election Commission · Chong Chieng Jen · Kuching