Sarawak: The Sarawak Legislative Assembly today passed the Constitution of the State of Sarawak (Amendment) Bill 2025, allowing the state government to appoint up to four additional members to the Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri (MMKN) or State Cabinet.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, a total of 23 assembly members participated in the debate, with the bill eventually passing with 74 votes in favor and two against. Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who tabled the bill, highlighted the necessity of strengthening the current MMKN structure to accommodate Sarawak’s expanding administrative landscape and increasing governance demands.
He noted that the MMKN presently comprises the Premier and 10 ministers, as outlined under Article 6(3) of the State Constitution. This article specifies that the council shall consist of the Premier and no more than 10 and no fewer than four ministers appointed from the Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) members. The amendment was partly motivated by the recent expansion of the DUN, which increased its membership from 82 to 99 following the enforcement of the Members of Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Ordinance 2025 on August 8 this year.
Abdul Karim, who is also Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister, pointed out that several ministers currently manage multiple portfolios, leading to heavier administrative responsibilities. The amendment aims to distribute these duties more evenly across key sectors, thereby strengthening the state’s executive machinery, enhancing policy coordination, and improving service delivery.
The Asajaya assemblyman assured that the amendment remains within the constitutional authority of the state legislature, preserving the core composition under Article 6. Instead, it introduces an enabling provision for the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, on the Premier’s advice, to appoint additional members as necessary, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness within the existing constitutional framework.