KOTA KINABALU: The Federal Government has agreed in principle to increase the ratio of parliamentary representation for Sabah and Sarawak beyond current levels, in line with the principle of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that any future increase in parliamentary seats must ensure a higher representation ratio for Sabah and Sarawak, rather than merely maintaining the existing ratio.

He noted that the Cabinet agreed to this matter last Wednesday, and the Election Commission (EC) has been instructed to initiate the relevant processes and consultations.

“Increasing the number of Members of Parliament falls under the EC's jurisdiction. This implies there could be additions from the Peninsula as well as from Sabah and Sarawak.

“However, such additions must not compromise the principle that the representation ratio for Sabah and Sarawak should be higher than it currently is,” he said.

He made these remarks during a press conference after chairing the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63) meeting at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here on Friday.

Also present were Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.

Elaborating further, Datuk Seri Anwar noted that during the formation of Malaysia in 1963, which included Singapore, Sabah, and Sarawak, the combined territories held approximately one-third of the total representation.

Therefore, he said, the agreed-upon principle is to ensure that any increase in seats also leads to a higher participation ratio for Sabah and Sarawak.

“An increase can be misleading. Simply adding seats does not necessarily mean anything if it merely maintains the status quo.

“Thus, what is crucial is an increase that raises the participation ratio for Sabah and Sarawak,” he explained.

According to the Prime Minister, the detailed mechanism regarding the matter will be discussed with the Election Commission (EC), state governments, and relevant parties.

When asked whether the changes could be implemented before the upcoming election, he stated that it depended on the necessary processes, including constitutional requirements.

“I am not sure if it can be done in time for this election, as there are processes involved.

“I do not wish to interfere with the constitutional process. However, the important thing is that the decision has been made and the EC has been informed,” he said.

At the same time, he emphasised that the implementation of MA63 must be viewed as a national commitment and narrative, rather than merely a sectoral issue or one concerning only the interests of Sabah and Sarawak.

According to him, this approach is crucial to ensure the entire population understands that the effort to fulfill the terms agreed upon in MA63 is part of the nation's commitment to strengthening Malaysia. -UKASnews