(Miri, 10th July) Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) Miri Division Chairman, Lawyer Mr. Leslie Ting Siong Ngiap, held a press conference today, severely criticizing the Sarawak government's passing of a bill in the special state assembly to increase the number of state seats from 82 to 99.

He directly stated that the bill was "unreasonable and unnecessary" and claimed that this move failed to truly respond to the Sarawak people's expectations for autonomy under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Instead, he said, it exposed the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS)'s attempt to consolidate its ruling advantage by manipulating the number of seats.

Lawyer Mr. Leslie Ting Siong Ngiap, who is also Supreme Council Organising Secretary, made these remarks this afternoon at a press conference with the Supreme Council Treasurer Mr. Eric Ngieng and Deputy Publicity Secretary Ms. Devora Chung at Kopi@5 Cafe in Piasau, Miri.

Criticizes Seat Increase as Disconnected from Population Growth
Mr. Leslie Ting pointed out that according to data from Statista and the Department of Statistics Malaysia, Sarawak's annual population growth rate does not exceed 0.6%, yet the number of seats has significantly increased by 17, equivalent to a 20.7% increase, far exceeding the actual population growth rate. He believes that this does not reflect "fairer governance" or "more effective representation."

"Since the increase to 82 seats in 2015, Sarawak's population has only grown by about 6%, and now another 17 seats are added, which is completely illogical."

Criticizes YB Adam Yii's Remarks as Misleading to the People Mr. Leslie Ting specifically criticized Piasau Assemblyman and Miri Mayor, YB Adam Yii, stating that his claim that increasing seats would provide "legal and constitutional basis" for future increases in parliamentary seats was highly misleading.

"The state assembly cannot decide whether to increase Sarawak's parliamentary seats. This requires a bill to be tabled and amended in Parliament, and Sarawak state assemblymen do not have this power."

He also questioned why YB Adam Yii did not strive to increase new seats for Piasau, a constituency with over 20,000 eligible voters, but instead championed other undeserving areas. "Are you complaining that holding both state assemblyman and mayor positions is too tiring? If so, please resign from one."

Mr. Lesli Ting urged Pakatan Harapan to disband and withdraw from Sarawak, stating that PBK will adhere to its goal of fighting for an independent nation.

New Seats May Undermine Political Stability
Mr. Lesli Ting also warned that if the division of the 17 new seats is unfair, it might lead to racial imbalance and unstable governance within GPS. He cited reports indicating that the Sarawak United Peoples' Party (SUPP) only received 3 seats, bringing their total to 21, which is lower than the Chinese population's proportion of approximately 24% in Sarawak.

"SUPP will gradually become a 'mosquito party' within GPS, unable to represent the interests of the Chinese community. Other ethnic groups may also face underrepresentation issues, undermining diversity and stability."

Seat Increase Does Not Help Address People's Pain Points
He further pointed out that increasing seats cannot reduce the Sales and Service Tax (SST), cost of living, petrol prices, or prevent the federal government from canceling RON95 subsidies and increasing local assembled car prices. Instead, it would increase the burden on taxpayers to pay the allowances of 17 new state assemblymen. "This is a waste of public resources and disconnected from the concerns of the people."

GPS Has Not Fulfilled Its "Kingmaker" Duty
He severely criticized that although GPS plays a "kingmaker" role in the federal government, it has repeatedly failed to use its advantage to pressure Putrajaya to fight for Sarawak's comprehensive autonomy in education, healthcare, natural resources (especially oil and gas), and taxation.

"GPS failed to abolish the Petroleum Development Act 1974 and did not make good use of its new status after the 2022 constitutional amendment to promote reforms in Sarawak's parliamentary seats."

He suggested that if Putrajaya continues to ignore Sarawak's rights, Sarawak should consider convening a special state assembly to take the following three actions:

Unilaterally declare Sarawak's full autonomy, including education, healthcare, resources, and taxation.
All state assemblymen vote on whether Sarawak should remain in the Malaysian Federation.
Seek a legal ruling from the court on whether the MA63 agreement is still valid.
Parti Bumi Kenyalang Miri Division Chairman and Supreme Council Organising Secretary, Mr. Leslie Ting Siong Ngiap(right), said that "PBK is here, always here." Eric Ngieng is on the left.

In response to the federal opposition parties, Mr. Lesli Ting urged Pakatan Harapan Sarawak (including DAP and PKR) to disband and withdraw from the Sarawak political arena, citing that these parties failed to fulfill their promises, such as restoring MA63 rights, recognizing UEC, lowering oil prices, increasing oil royalty sharing, and retaining talent.

He pointed out that as West Malaysian parties, DAP and PKR are not rooted in Sarawak, and many decisions are still controlled by their headquarters, making them unable to truly represent the people of Sarawak. "West Malaysian parties have no right to interfere in Sarawak's internal affairs; this also violates the spirit of MA63."

He added that the people no longer believe in empty slogans like 'reformasi' or 'change of government'; what people want is complete sovereignty. He called on Pakatan Harapan members to leave their original parties and join PBK, working with PBK as a local party to fight for Sarawak's interests. He emphasized that if Pakatan Harapan continues to contest, it will only split opposition votes, benefiting GPS in continuing its rule.

PBK to Contest State Election Independently or with Local Parties
Mr. Lesli Ting reiterated that PBK will adhere to its goal of fighting for an independent nation and will fully contest the upcoming state election, whether independently or in cooperation with other local parties. "Our membership in the Miri area is increasing year by year, and the public's response to our social media presence, statements, and lawsuits to fight for MA63 rights has been good."

He stated that PBK will not cooperate with any West Malaysian parties.
If they come to power one day, they will fully push for Sarawak's 100% ownership of natural resources, and full autonomy in education, healthcare, and taxation, as well as immigration, in accordance with the law.

"PBK is here, always here."

Source: 肯雅蘭黨抨增設砂議席 屬政治操控

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