One-third formula first, more seats later, Sabah and Sarawak politicians tell Putrajaya

Putrajaya should first determine the one-third formula for Sabah and Sarawak's representation in the Dewan Rakyat before adding any parliamentary seats, according to Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. She said that the focus previously was on state assembly seats, but now discussions need to involve the Sarawak premier, Sabah chief minister, and the Federal Government to discuss a suitable method and measure.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim mentioned that the government agreed in principle to increase Sabah and Sarawak's representation in the Dewan Rakyat, which aligns with their position in the formation of Malaysia through the Malaysia Agreement 1963. Former Sabah Chief Minister Salleh Said Keruak asked Putrajaya to clarify the number of additional parliamentary seats for Sabah and Sarawak and whether the government is committed to one-third representation for the two states.

He emphasized that the real issue is not the number of seats added but the proportion of parliamentary seats Sabah and Sarawak will hold. Salleh also questioned whether the government's goal is to achieve one-third representation or just increase the number of seats. The Election Commission denied rumors about a proposal to increase parliamentary constituencies in Sarawak, stating that there are no current plans to review or redelineate Sarawak's state constituencies.