Nancy: Don’t just add seats — decide Sabah-Sarawak representation formula first

KUCHING, Sept 26 — Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, Women, Family and Community Development Minister, has emphasized that before expanding the number of parliamentary seats, Malaysia's Putrajaya must first establish the one-third formula for Sabah and Sarawak representation. Nancy, along with several Sarawak leaders, including those in the Cabinet, have raised this concern; however, in the past, the emphasis has been more on the allocation of state assembly seats.

Speaking about the parliamentary seats, Nancy expressed agreement with Cabinet member, Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. She stated that determining this one-third formula requires a joint discussion in the form of legislation. Nancy, who is also the vice-president of the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Women's Movement, called for additional discussions between the Sarawak Chief Minister, Sabah Chief Minister, and the Federal Government to arrive at a suitable method and measure.

Anwar Ibrahim, the Prime Minister, had previously stated that the government had agreed in principle to increase the proportion of Sabah and Sarawak representation in the Dewan Rakyat, in line with the regions' share in the formation of Malaysia under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). This decision was among the crucial matters agreed upon at the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council meeting, as reported by Bernama.