KUCHING, March 8: It is time for Sarawak and Sabah to be recognised as regions and given additional seats to achieve a third of parliamentary seats, said Kota Samarahan MP Datuk Rubiah Wang.
According to a news report from the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) today, she said this matter is vital to protect Sarawak and Sabah’s special rights and recognise them as partners in the formation of Malaysia.
“Sarawak and Sabah need at least 28 additional seats to achieve the quota,” she said during the Dewan Rakyat sitting yesterday (March 7).
Currently, there are 222 parliamentary seats, and 56 are represented by Sarawak (31 seats) and Sabah (25 seats) MPs.
Therefore, the number of MPs from Peninsular Malaysia fulfils the requirement to make any amendments to the Federal Constitution, pass a Bill, or repeal previous laws even if the MPs from Sarawak and Sabah chose not to lend their support.
In the meantime, Rubiah called for the redelineation of parliamentary constituencies to be implemented, especially in Sarawak and Sabah.
Regarding the recognition of Sarawak and Sabah as regions, she said that it should not only be assessed in terms of titles alone but also cover other aspects, including the provision of annual allocations for development activities as well as special legal provisions. — DayakDaily
