By Ling Hui & Chris Bishop
SRI AMAN, Sept 10: The Election Commission (EC) will decide on whether or not to increase the number of parliamentary seats in Sarawak, says Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the meeting of the Special Council on Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MKMA63) only agreed in principal that Sarawak and Sabah’s 35 per cent share of parliamentary seats would be restored.
Regarding the adjustment of seats or redelineation of constituencies, he said such matters would lie under the EC’s purview.
“I leave it to the EC to decide, because this is their job, not ours. Our job (in Sarawak) is only to ask for MA63 to be protected,” he told reporters during a press conference at the Sri Aman Pesta Benak here today.
When asked whether the redelineation process could be done before the 15th General Election (GE15), Abang Johari said there was no need to rush.
“We don’t have to rush, so long as the principle is there. What is important is the principle, as long as we are given 35 per cent.
“But I must thank the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yakoob) for listening to our wishes in Sarawak and Sabah, and is able to grant us the balance,” he said.
Yesterday (Sept 9), Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili announced that the meeting of the Special Council on MA63 (MKMA63) endorsed the restoration of 35 per cent of parliamentary seats for East Malaysia. — DayakDaily
