By Shikin Louis
KOTA SAMARAHAN, Nov 17: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent remarks on increasing parliamentary seats give Sabah and Sarawak reason to hope, even if a full one-third allocation for the two Borneo states remains a long-term goal.
Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah stressed that Anwar’s stance can be translated as expressing support for the one-third seats aspiration under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
He acknowledged that some may see the comments as politically timed ahead of the Sabah election but stressed that the words still carry weight for both states.
“At least, as Prime Minister, when he expresses such a view, we in Sabah and Sarawak feel a sense of joy because it’s not easy to take back what he has said.
“Even if it may not immediately reach the one-third mark, at least it points in that direction,” he told reporters after the Samarahan Food and Cultural Festival 2025 press conference held at Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) building here today.
Nonetheless, Abdul Karim who is the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Information chief, acknowledged that Anwar was only expressing his personal view but the authority to determine seat allocation rests solely with the Election Commission (EC).
“However, when the Prime Minister says he supports it, that itself is a very positive signal,” he added.
Abdul Karim further said Sarawak has already increased its State constituencies from 82 to 99 through the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS).
“With 17 additional seats, it will be easier for the EC to create new parliamentary constituencies.
“From these, we could see seven, eight or even nine new parliamentary seats,” he said.
He added that while DUS can propose changes to State constituencies, any adjustments to parliamentary seats must be approved by Parliament.
On Nov 16, Anwar reportedly said the federal government cannot commit to granting Sarawak and Sabah one-third parliamentary representation, but has agreed in principle to increase the number of seats of both States.
He said he has made the decision and informed the federal Cabinet that the government will increase the number of seats.
He also said he has instructed the State legal advisers in Sabah and Sarawak, as well as the Attorney-General, to resolve the matter, and the principle of increasing parliamentary seats has already become policy. – DayakDaily
