Datuk Michael Lui
KOTA KINABALU: The addition of 13 new state seats is timely to enable a more focused approach in developing constituencies and looking after the welfare of people, said Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCCI) president Datuk Michael Lui.
“Increasing the number of state seats is timely in view of the (changes) in past, present economy and population density.”
Lui said the relevant authority would have its own ways and calculation on how to re-delineate the new seats.
Nonetheless, he said densely-populated constituencies like Kota Kinabalu should be reviewed in the re-delineation exercise.
Lui said Kota Kinabalu constituency has matured and thus has more room to be re-delineated to enable more assemblymen to execute their duties.
“It will be illogical to maintain status quo if the population of a constituency has exceeded a certain number.
“Such constituencies should be divided into two or three state seats so that the assemblymen can be more in touch with the people’s needs.”
He also hoped that elected representatives of the new state seats could do their level best in serving the people and look into improving healthcare, education and other infrastructure developments in their constituencies.
The State Legislative Assembly has approved a Bill to increase the number of elected representatives and state constituencies from 60 to 73.