Push for fair parliamentary representation grows

Sabah has joined the push for a one-third share of parliamentary seats in Malaysia. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor raised this matter with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during a Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) meeting on September 12 in Kota Kinabalu.

Hajiji noted that Sabah and Sarawak have extensively discussed this, including a recent meeting last month, emphasising that increasing Sabah’s seats would foster its development.

This development is promising, offering both Bornean states a stronger representation and a unified voice in claiming what is rightfully theirs.

In 1963, during Malaysia’s formation, Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore collectively held one-third of the parliamentary seats. Sarawak had 24 seats, Sabah had 16, and Singapore had 15.

However, after Singapore departed from the federation in 1965, its 15 seats were absorbed by Malaya instead of being reallocated to Sabah and Sarawak.

Presently, Sabah and Sarawak hold only 56 seats, a mere 25% of the 222 seats in Parliament, with Sarawak having 31 seats (13%) and Sabah having 25 seats (11%).

Hajiji stressed that Sabah and Sarawak are committed to collaborating with the federal government on this issue, echoing Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s earlier statement that denying them their one-third share would violate the MA63 agreement.

“This was part of the original agreement when Malaysia was formed, and we have communicated our intentions to the prime minister,” stated Hajiji.

Abang Johari highlighted that this arrangement was designed to ensure Sabah and Sarawak’s parliamentary representation, granting them veto power in the Dewan Rakyat.

While some Malaysians, particularly those outside of Sabah and Sarawak, may view this as unfair, it is crucial for safeguarding the rights of the Bornean states, as agreed upon by our predecessors during Malaysia’s inception.

Abang Johari emphasized, “Sarawak is not exceeding its authority; we are simply exercising the powers granted by the constitution.”

The MA63, merging Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore with the Malayan states to establish Malaysia, was signed on July 9, 1963, incorporating the 20-point agreement by Sabah and the 18-point agreement by Sarawak to protect the interests, rights, and autonomy of their people.

The federal government should not base its decision on the smaller populations of Sabah and Sarawak compared to Peninsular Malaysia. The one-third representation guaranteed by the MA63 is crucial for upholding the rights of both states.

Any delay in fulfilling this request could escalate tensions between Sabah, Sarawak, and the federal government, evident in the mounting calls for fair representation from various sectors in both states.

Rooted in the MA63, this demand is non-negotiable — it is a constitutional entitlement of Sarawak and Sabah, crucial for ensuring their strong parliamentary voices.

The promise of one-third representation was a fundamental condition during Malaysia’s formation, ensuring these Bornean states wield substantial influence in Parliament.

The historical lack of fair representation has nurtured feelings of marginalization among the people of Sabah and Sarawak.

For the federal government, the challenge goes beyond acknowledging this right; it entails taking concrete steps to amend relevant laws.

Redistributing seats through constitutional amendments requires more than procedural adjustments — it demands commitment, fairness, and political resolve.

The crux lies in whether the federal government possesses the political courage to effect this change.

It transcends mere numbers or parliamentary seats; it’s about upholding Malaysia’s founding tenets and addressing longstanding concerns from both states.

A failure to act promptly or hesitance could exacerbate frustrations and widen the gap between the federal government and the people of Sabah and Sarawak. This issue extends beyond legality, embodying trust and respect for the autonomy and rights of these states.

In essence, it boils down to political will. If the federal government truly values the unity and equity enshrined in the MA63, it must act decisively and without delay.

Otherwise, tensions between the Bornean states and the federal government will escalate, eroding the foundational principles of mutual respect upon which Malaysia was built.

The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.