SEMPORNA: The proposed increase in parliamentary seats for Sabah and Sarawak should be expedited to strengthen both States’ representation in the Dewan Rakyat, said Parti Warisan President Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
Shafie said Sabah currently has 25 parliamentary seats and Sarawak 31, and called for a more balanced representation in line with the one-third principle raised in discussions on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“This is important because it is not only about having our voices heard, but also about ensuring those voices are translated into action,” he said after officiating the ninth Warisan Semporna Division Annual General Meeting on Saturday.
He said any increase should recognise Sabah and Sarawak separately and provide them with stronger representation in Federal decision-making rather than merely increasing their combined number of seats.
Shafie said the move should be expedited following the Federal Government’s agreement in principle to increase parliamentary representation for Sabah and Sarawak, adding that stronger representation would help ensure their interests received appropriate consideration.
