Kota kinabalu: The government has agreed to increase the proportion of parliamentary representation for Sabah and Sarawak beyond the current level, in line with the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. He noted that this change would necessitate a constitutional amendment to enhance the representation of Members of Parliament (MPs) from these two states.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar explained that during the time of MA63, which included Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak, these regions accounted for one-third of the representation. However, the current proportion is significantly lower. The decision, agreed upon in principle by the Cabinet during its meeting last Wednesday, is to increase the ratio for Sabah and Sarawak. Anwar conveyed this decision to reporters after leading the 2026 Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63) meeting at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC).
Present at the meeting were Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Anwar emphasized that the initiative is not solely about raising the number of seats, but also about ensuring that Sabah and Sarawak's share of parliamentary representation increases.
When questioned about whether the government aims for 40 percent of parliamentary seats for Sabah and Sarawak, Anwar indicated that discussions with the Election Commission (EC) would determine the mechanism and specifics. He also mentioned the uncertainty of implementing the increase before the next general election, as it involves consultation and constitutional processes.
Furthermore, Anwar stated that the meeting reviewed the acceleration of post creations and the Borneonisation of the Federal Public Service in Sabah and Sarawak, as outlined in MA63 and recommended by the Cobbold Commission. The first phase of this implementation has been completed, and the second phase will be expedited, including appointing Sabahans and Sarawakians to significant positions.