Tambah kerusi Sabah, Sarawak: BHESS mula bincang mekanisme dengan SPR

The Chief Minister of Sabah and Sarawak, Mustapha Sakmud, has initiated discussions with the Representation of the People Board (SPR) regarding the proposal to increase the number of parliamentary seats in the two states. The meeting with SPR Chairperson Ramlan Harun today was headed by Mustapha, who outlined the purpose and mechanism for implementing the proposal.

The focus of the discussion was on the procedural, constitutional, legal, and technical aspects, including equal representation, required data, and the sharing of responsibilities between the government, SPR, and stakeholders. Mustapha mentioned that the meeting follows recent developments at the Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63) meeting on September 11, where it was confirmed that the matter has been discussed at the Cabinet meeting.

Currently, Sabah and Sarawak have 56 seats, or 25.3% of the total Dewan Rakyat seats, and the proposal aims to increase this to 35%, thereby balancing it with the peninsula. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that the government is willing to increase the representation ratio of Sabah and Sarawak beyond the current percentage but emphasized the need to discuss the mechanism and its specifics with SPR.

Ramlan later reported that a review of the equal representation of political parties in the national parliament could be carried out subject to the amendment of the Constitution to enable the addition of parliamentary seats in both states. Mustapha added that the issue is not only about the addition of seats but also about ensuring the position and voice of Sabah and Sarawak in the Parliament continue to be strengthened in line with the founding spirit of Malaysia and the implementation of MA63.

He stated that BHESS will continue to work closely with SPR to ensure the subsequent actions are carried out consistently, in accordance with the Constitution, laws, and respect for the powers of SPR.