By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 5: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Youth says there is no justification for delaying Parliament’s endorsement of Sarawak’s proposed 17 additional State Legislative Assembly (DUS) seats, while urging the federal government to also address the long-standing issue of Parliamentary representation for Sabah and Sarawak in line with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Its chief, Ir Christopher Gira Sambang, said the proposal for the additional State seats, which was unanimously approved by the Sarawak Legislative Assembly in 2025, was made in accordance with the Federal Constitution and reflects the State’s growing population, vast geographical size, and the need to strengthen representation and improve service delivery.
“The delay is difficult to justify,” he said in a media statement today.
Gira also reiterated PRS Youth’s call for a review of Parliamentary representation for Sabah and Sarawak, saying the issue should no longer be postponed.
He pointed out that following Singapore’s separation from Malaysia in 1965, the allocation of Parliamentary seats should have been reviewed to reflect the original spirit of MA63, but the matter has remained unresolved for far too long.
“PRS Youth firmly believes that the implementation of MA63 must not continue to be postponed. The rights of Sabah and Sarawak, as enshrined in the Federal Constitution and MA63, should be honoured through concrete action, not prolonged discussions,” he said.
While reaffirming the party’s commitment to the Federation, Gira stressed that fulfilling the constitutional rights and promises under MA63 would strengthen Malaysia rather than undermine it.
“We are proud Malaysians and remain committed to strengthening the Federation. However, our position is clear: MA63 First. Fulfilling the promises and constitutional rights of Sabah and Sarawak will strengthen, not weaken, the unity of Malaysia,” he said.
He urged the federal government and all Members of Parliament to expedite the endorsement of Sarawak’s additional 17 State Legislative Assembly seats and commence a comprehensive review of Parliamentary representation for Sabah and Sarawak in accordance with the Federal Constitution and the spirit of MA63.
“A stronger Sarawak and Sabah within Malaysia will create a stronger Federation for all,” he added. — DayakDaily
