Fahmi says Sarawak redelineation has begun but gives no election deadline (VIDEO)

KUCHING, Sept 16 — Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil did not promise when the electoral boundary review would be finished before the upcoming Sarawak election, but stressed that the process had already begun. The Election Commission (EC) stated that certain matters needed to be settled before making further announcements regarding the timeline for bringing the matter before the Cabinet.

Fahmi, accompanied by Communications Ministry Secretary-General Abdul Halim Hamzah, Bernama CEO Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, reassured the public that the federal government would make every effort. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the EC emphasized their commitment to expediting the redelineation process, which involves increasing the proportional representation of Sarawak and Sabah in the Parliament beyond the existing ratio.

Anwar mentioned that this decision would also require constitutional amendments. EC Chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun confirmed that the review would occur under the Thirteenth Schedule to the Federal Constitution and would go through several stages before finalizing the proposed boundaries. The public display of the proposed recommendations and draft electoral boundaries is ongoing until Sept 30, allowing for representations opposing the proposed boundaries to be submitted.