Kuching: The DAP Sarawak has called for Sarawak and Sabah to collectively regain one-third of their parliamentary representation, stating that this move is necessary to prevent unilateral constitutional amendments by West Malaysia.
Soo Tien Ren, Special Assistant to Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen, said the arrangement was part of the original safeguards when Malaysia was formed in 1963.
“At that time, Sarawak, Sabah, and Singapore collectively held one-third of parliamentary seats, ensuring that Malaya could not unilaterally amend the Constitution without East Malaysia’s support.
“However, after Singapore’s exit in 1965, these seats were left vacant, giving West Malaysia overwhelming dominance to push through constitutional amendments unilaterally,” he said in a statement.
Therefore, Soo said, based on the original historical arrangement and the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963, Sarawak and Sabah must reclaim and secure their rightful one-third parliamentary representation.
Soo, who is also the DAPSY Stampin Chief, said that to safeguard the rights of Sarawak and Sabah further, DAP Sarawak proposed two key reforms.
“First, amendment of the federal constitution – any constitutional amendment affecting Sarawak and Sabah must obtain the consent of both the Sarawak and Sabah State Assemblies.
“Second, reform of the senate – on constitutional matters, particularly those concerning Sarawak and Sabah’s core interests, senators from Sarawak and Sabah should be vested with a substantive veto power,” he said.
Rebuttal of opposing views
Meanwhile, he said, DAP Sarawak rejected suggestions by Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Batu Kitang branch secretary Amy Tnay and so-called “third force” representative Wong Soon Koh, who claimed that Sarawak and Sabah should each hold one-third of parliamentary seats, has absolutely no legal, historical, or practical foundation.
“Such rhetoric is nothing more than empty slogans designed to stir Sarawak nationalism and resentment, without offering any real or workable solution to safeguard Sarawak’s interests.
“In reality, Wong Soon Koh and SUPP are two sides of the same coin – engaging in divisive and emotional politics, without presenting concrete, lawful, or historically grounded solutions,” Soo said.
Consistent stance
Soo said that DAP Sarawak’s position has always been consistent, as Bandar Kuching MP Dr. Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen has stated – Sarawak’s parliamentary seats should, and must, be increased.
“Only then can Sarawak and Sabah return to the true spirit of the founding of Malaysia, ensuring that the rights of East Malaysians are no longer sidelined,” he said.
