Sabah, Sarawak to get bigger share of Parliament seats, Anwar says as MA63 push moves ahead

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 11 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced today that Sabah and Sarawak will receive a greater share of parliamentary seats under a Cabinet decision to augment representation. The Cabinet discussed increasing the number of parliamentary seats for Sabah and Sarawak, though the specific number and mechanism have yet to be determined.

Prime Minister Anwar emphasized that the increase must also raise the proportion of seats held by the two states, in line with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). "An increase in the number of seats can be misleading. An increase does not necessarily mean that the ratio will improve; it could simply mean equalising the numbers," he stated during a press conference after chairing a committee meeting with Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.

Anwar also suggested the possibility of expanding seats for peninsular Malaysia. The Cabinet's decision came on Wednesday, and the Election Commission has been instructed to initiate discussions on the mechanism and the number of additional seats. Representatives from Sabah and Sarawak will then negotiate with political parties from the peninsula on the specifics.

According to the original Malaysia Agreement 1963, when Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore formed the Federation, the three territories collectively held one-third of the parliamentary seats to prevent Malaya from unilaterally securing the majority needed to amend the Federal Constitution. Following Singapore's departure in 1965, the proportion of seats for Sabah and Sarawak was reduced.

Currently, Sabah holds 25 seats and Sarawak 31, equating to 25% of the total, compared to the 75% held by peninsular Malaysia. Sabah and Sarawak have been advocating for a minimum one-third, or 33%, share of parliamentary representation, which would require approximately 18 more seats. The government is also accelerating the appointment of more Sabah- and Sarawak-born Malaysians to high-ranking government positions, an aspect acknowledged under the MA63.

Prime Minister Anwar described the MA63 as a national commitment rather than a concern exclusive to Sabah and Sarawak, emphasizing its significance for national development, stability, and the commitments made upon the formation of Malaysia in 1963.