Stronger bargaining power with seats, says analyst

KUCHING: Sabah and Sarawak’s bargaining power will increase with one-third of parliamentary seats in their corner.

Political analyst Dick Lembang Dugun who held this view said it would also mean the rights of both regions would be safeguarded.

“Sabah and Sarawak are significantly less developed compared to Malaya, so addressing this development gap is crucial,” he said.

“Achieving equity and equality will solidify their status as equal partners in the federation, and both regions are fully entitled to demand this one-third allocation of parliamentary seats.”

Lembang said the federal government should therefore carefully address the call to restore one-third of parliamentary seats to Sabah and Sarawak.

He said both states are entitled to claim the additional seats, as the 15 seats originally allocated to Singapore during the formation of the Federation of Malaysia should now be distributed equally among Sabah, Sarawak, and Malaya.

“With this one-third parliamentary seats it shows what was stipulated under the 20 points for Sabah and 18 points for Sarawak can be guaranteed.

Lembang felt that with the Madani government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the matter should be done through amendments to the constitution.

“This is to show the real spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 which is to treat Sabah and Sarawak as an equal partner in formation of Malaysia.

“In today’s political scenario, we can see the relationship between these two regions with Malaya at the highest level of harmony. Political stability is the main priority and from there it gives benefits to all.

“The Madani government has the political will and sincerity to ensure both states are treated equally,” he added.

He also called on the government to maintain strong ties and a cooperative spirit to ensure all regions involved in the formation of the Malaysian Federation will prosper in the future.

“This will uphold the spirit of MA63, as Tun Datuk Patinggi Temenggong Jugah anak Barieng famously said, ‘Anang Malaysia Baka Tebu, Manis ba pun Tabar ba ujung’ (Let Malaysia not be like sugarcane, sweet at first but bland at the end).

“I truly hope that with the current Madani government, there is still hope to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

“Political will and sincerity are key to ensuring what was agreed upon during Malaysia’s formation will be realised,” he added.