Abang Johari: More Parliament seats must uphold one-third ratio

KUCHING: Any increase in the number of parliamentary seats must uphold the one-third representation ratio for Sarawak and Sabah.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the principle is based on provisions relating to proportional representation, as well as the ratio of representation stated in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the Cobbold Commission.

“If we want to increase the number of parliamentary seats, we must maintain the one-third ratio. Of the total number of seats, one-third should be allocated to Sabah and Sarawak.

“For example, if the total number of parliamentary seats becomes 200, Sabah and Sarawak should have 66 seats based on the one-third ratio. So, Sabah and Sarawak must have one-third. This is to safeguard our interests,” he said when met after officiating the Sarawak Semiconductor Flagship Talent Development Ecosystem Ceremony at CENTEXS, Santubong here today (Sept 15).

Abang Johari said the ratio must also be viewed in the context of changes following Singapore’s departure from Malaysia.

“When Singapore left, the seats were taken by Singapore itself. They must be shared among us. This is because the gap in the ratio has increased,” he said.

Abang Johari said Sarawak remained committed to the principle of the ratio and appreciated Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s agreement on the matter.

Meanwhile, when asked about the number of seats required by Sabah and Sarawak based on the current total of 222 parliamentary seats, Abang Johari said the overall number of parliamentary seats needed to be increased to achieve the one-third ratio.

“Sabah and Sarawak, we combine and estimate. What would the number be if there are currently 222 seats? The number needs to be increased from 222. If the total number increases, the number of seats for Sabah and Sarawak must also increase. Therefore, Sabah and Sarawak must have one-third,” he said.

On the criteria for the mapping and redelineation of parliamentary constituencies, he said the matter would be left to the Election Commission (EC).

“We agree on the ratio. The rest we leave to the EC. The EC will manage it,” he said.