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KUCHING, Oct 14 — Sarawak and Sabah's one-third parliamentary representation in the Dewan Rakyat, as stated by Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations), is a constitutional safeguard and not merely a matter of numbers. This ratio originated from the original formation of Malaysia in 1963, with Malaya having 104 seats, Sarawak and Sabah together holding 40 seats, and Singapore contributing 15 seats, making up about one-third of the total 159.

Following Singapore's separation in 1965, their seats were not redistributed. Presently, Sarawak and Sabah together hold 56 of the 222 parliamentary seats, approximately 25 percent. If a one-third ratio were applied to the current 222 seats, it would equate to 74 seats. Sharifah Hasidah noted that constitutional amendments necessitate a two-thirds majority, currently requiring 148 out of the 222 parliamentary members.

She pointed out that Malaysia's Peninsula holds 166 seats, sufficient to pass an amendment independently. The federal government recognizes that the one-third representation necessitates constitutional amendment, marking the start of a constitutional process. The exact formula and number of additional seats need discussion with the Sarawak and Sabah governments, she said, adding that this issue is separate from the Election Commission's (EC) re-delineation exercise.

To increase parliamentary representation, constitutional amendments passed by a two-thirds majority are required. Delimitation is then executed by the EC under Article 113 and the 13th Schedule of the Federal Constitution. Until these steps are completed, no additional parliamentary seats legally exist, which is why the EC stated there is no proposal to increase parliamentary constituencies in Sarawak.

This process is distinct from the increase in Sarawak state assembly seats from 82 to 99, approved by the DUN in 2025 and currently undergoing the Seventh Sarawak Redelineation Review by the EC, with public inspection planned from September 1 to 30, 2026.