KUCHING, May 9 -- Sarawak will go ahead with preparations for its state election using the existing 82-seat structure, as uncertainty remains over whether the proposed expansion to 99 seats can be implemented in time, said State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar.

He said months have passed without any indication from the Election Commission (EC) on the status of the delineation exercise involving the 17 additional seats approved by the State Legislative Assembly.

"Although constitutionally the SPR is within the time frame completing their job, they must be mindful that Sarawak is preparing for a State Election this year.

"Months have passed with no word whether the 17 new seats are in time...