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 larger share of parliamentary representation, following a Cabinet decision. Anwar stated that the Cabinet agreed to enhance the number of parliamentary seats for the two Borneo states, though the precise figure and process have yet to be determined.

He emphasized that any increase must also improve the proportion of seats held by Sabah and Sarawak to adhere to the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Anwar clarified that merely increasing the number of seats might not boost the ratio, as it could merely equalize the numbers. He mentioned that there could also be an increase in seats for peninsular Malaysia.

The Cabinet's decision was made on Wednesday, and the Election Commission has been notified to commence discussions on the mechanism and the number of additional seats. Representatives from Sabah and Sarawak will subsequently negotiate the specifics with political parties from peninsular Malaysia. The original MA63 stipulated that when Malaya, Sabah, and Sarawak formed the Federation, the three territories collectively held one-third of the parliamentary seats.

However, this proportion was reduced after Singapore's departure from the federation in 1965. Currently, Sabah has 25 seats, Sarawak 31, accounting for 25% of the total compared to 75% for peninsular Malaysia. Sabah and Sarawak have been advocating for a minimum one-third, or 33%, share of parliamentary representation, which would necessitate approximately 18 additional seats.

Anwar expressed uncertainty about whether there will be enough time to implement the increased representation before the next general election, stressing that the decision has been made and the Election Commission has been informed. Additionally, the government is prioritizing the appointment of more Sabah- and Sarawak-born Malaysians to key government positions, another matter recognized under MA63.

Anwar described MA63 as a national commitment, not solely an issue concerning Sabah and Sarawak, and emphasized its importance in the broader context of Malaysia's development, stability, and independence.