THE Sarawak state cabinet is poised for expansion as part of efforts to strengthen governance and prepare the state for a pivotal role in Malaysia’s 2030 vision.
The announcement was made by Sarawak State Assembly Speaker, Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, who said the move would also support Sarawak’s ambitions to become a major player in the ASEAN energy sector.
The proposed increase in ministers will be formally presented by Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, during the Sarawak Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025, to be tabled at the upcoming State Assembly session from 24 November to 3 December.
Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia highlighted that the expansion was necessary as the responsibilities of current ministers had grown significantly, with several handling more than two portfolios.
“That is why we need to increase the number of ministers and redistribute portfolios. It is now a key requirement to enhance administrative efficiency,” he said during a pre-session press conference chaired by Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg.
At present, the Sarawak cabinet comprises 10 ministers and 26 deputy ministers overseeing 18 ministries.
Premier Abang Johari himself holds multiple roles as Minister of Finance and New Economy, Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development, and Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability. Deputy Premier I, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, serves as Minister of Finance and New Economy II and Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, while Deputy Premier II, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, holds the positions of Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development II and Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment.
Minister Abdul Karim will manage the portfolios of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, as well as Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurial Development. Other key ministers include Deputy Premier III Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian (Health, Housing and Local Government), Datuk Seri John Sikie Tayai (Minister in the Premier’s Department), Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom (Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development), Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin (Transport), Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi (Utilities and Telecommunications), Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah (Women, Children and Community Wellbeing), and Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn (Education, Innovation and Talent Development).
Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia noted that the cabinet expansion follows the recent increase in State Assembly seats from 82 to 99.
However, he clarified that no new ministries will be created, nor will the number of deputy ministers change.
“The ministries remain the same; what will change is that we will reduce the number of portfolios handled by individual ministers who were previously responsible for more than two areas. The exact number of new ministers will only be known when the amendment bill is presented,” he said.
In addition to the Sarawak Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025, four other bills will be tabled during the assembly session: the 2026 Supply Bill, the 2025 Supplementary Supply Bill, and the 2025 Building (Amendment) Bill.
The cabinet expansion reflects Sarawak’s strategic ambitions to streamline governance and strengthen its position in regional economic and energy sectors while accommodating the increased representation in the state legislature. - November 22, 2025
