Bau: Mas Gading MP Mordi Bimol has emphasised that the proposed increase in parliamentary seats for Sabah and Sarawak must ensure that the 35% representation principle for both regions is fully respected.
He said this representation is crucial to guarantee that all federal laws and policies fairly consider the perspectives and interests of the people of Sabah and Sarawak.
“In the 62 years since Malaysia’s formation, numerous laws and policies enacted at the federal level have gradually eroded the rights of Sabah and Sarawak as equal partners in the federation.
“Increasing the number of parliamentary seats in both states is an essential mechanism to restore the legislative balance of power that has long been undermined,” he said in a statement.
He said regarding Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement that the number of parliamentary seats for Sabah and Sarawak will be increased.
According to Mordi, the move reflects the Federal Government’s firm commitment to restore the original spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and to strengthen the position of Sabah and Sarawak as equal partners within the Federation of Malaysia.
Mordi further stated that the increase in seats would help close the development gap and strengthen the political voice of Malaysians in East Malaysia.
Despite Sabah and Sarawak’s long-standing contribution of natural resources and revenue to the Federal Government, the development disparity between East Malaysia and Peninsular Malaysia remains significant.
“This imbalance may stem from the disproportionate policy-making process, which is often dominated by representatives from Peninsular Malaysia,” he said.
He also highlighted the need to address legal and jurisdictional challenges between the federal and state governments, noting that stronger parliamentary representation would allow Sabah and Sarawak to play a more effective role in ensuring that federal laws respect state authority and the rights guaranteed under MA63.
Mordi acknowledged the importance of balancing this effort with the democratic principle of “one person, one vote, one value”, but stressed that the 35% representation for Sabah and Sarawak must not be compromised, as it safeguards the historical and political rights of both regions.
As an alternative, he proposed that the government consider increasing representation for Sabah and Sarawak in the Senate (Dewan Negara) if the process of adding seats in the House of Representatives cannot be implemented in the near future.
“Representation in the Dewan Negara should be increased to at least 35 percent – 25 out of 70 seats, to ensure a balanced legislative voice between East Malaysia and Peninsular Malaysia,” he added.
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