Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak (DUNS) / Fara Diana Abdullah

The Sarawak legislature systems consist of Yang di-pertua Negeri (Governor) and the one house known as the State Legislative Assembly. On 31st August 1963, Sarawak became internally self-governing with an elected cabinet. 16 days later, on 16 September 1963, Sarawak together with Federation of Malaya, Sabah and Singapore, formed Malaysia. In 1965, further constitutional developments were made when the cabinet was enlarged to consist of a Chief Minister and eight ministers. In 1968, the membership of elected representatives increased to 48, abolishing the six ex-officio and the nominated members. The House was enlarged further in 1984 with a membership of 56 elected representatives. In 1996, it expanded to 62 elected members and from 2006, it increased again to the present membership of 71 elected members. One member represents each constituency in the State. The constituencies vary in size, with more elactorates in urban constituencies but fewer voters in the sparsely populated but larger rural constituencies due to the difficulties of travel communication. Upon the conclusion of a state election, a member holds office for a term offive years or until the next State Elections is held. Under the law, the State Legislative Assembly must meet in session at least twice a year and should not be more than 6 years apart. No taxes can be levied or expenditure charged on the State’s Consolidated fund unless approved by the Assembly. A yearly State Budget is normally presented by the executive branch of the Government prior to the expenditure year and this is usually done in November. All laws enacted or passed by the assembly are styled as Ordinances. Sarawak State Legislative Assembly involve the Speaker, Yb Datuk Amar Haji Mohammad Aspia Bin Awang Nassar, Deputy Speaker, Yb Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Secreraty od Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak, Supian Tarmizi Bin Haji Mohd. Tazuddin and Deputy Secretary, Pele Peter Tinggom. Generally, this organization is divided into 2 different division which are administration department and legal and documentation department. Every division has their own admin officer, which they have their own scope of tasks. There are 23 manpower in the organization and each of them has their own position, function and scope.