Upko leader backs call for Sabah, Sarawak to secure one-third of parliamentary seats

Putatan division chief Jason Lee of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) has voiced support for the party's request to ensure that Sabah and Sarawak receive no less than one-third of parliamentary seats. Lee believes this demand aligns with the original intent of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). He explains that one-third of parliamentary seats is not merely about numbers but also represents the strength of Sabah and Sarawak's voice within the Federation.

Jason emphasizes that the issue goes beyond having more seats; representatives from Sabah must possess the courage to advocate for the region's interests and understand MA63 and the state's rights. Currently, Sabah and Sarawak hold 56 parliamentary seats, which constitutes about 25.2% of the total, falling short of the one-third representation sought under the MA63 framework.

If the total number of parliamentary seats remains at 222, reaching one-third would require a combined 74 seats for Sabah and Sarawak, an increase of 18 seats from the current 56. Upko president Datuk Ewon Benedick has proposed that Sabah consider redelineating parliamentary and State Legislative Assembly seats in preparation for the next election.

The current State Legislative Assembly constituencies date back to 2020, while the parliamentary constituencies date back to 2004, highlighting the need for an updated representation structure. Jason also notes that the current representation does not adequately reflect Sabah's position as one of the territories that formed Malaysia.