SANDAKAN: A proposal to increase Sabah and Sarawak’s representation ratio in the Dewan Rakyat has been described as an important step to strengthen the protection of both regions’ rights and ensure Borneo’s voice is more effective in national decision-making.
Former election candidate Liau Fui Fui welcomed the Prime Minister’s statement that the government has in principle agreed to raise Sabah and Sarawak’s representation ratio in the Dewan Rakyat, including by considering a constitutional amendment to that end.
According to Liau, the key issue is not merely increasing the total number of Parliamentary seats while Sabah and Sarawak’s ratio remains at its current level. Any increase, Liau said, must lead to a genuine rise in the representation ratio of Sabah and Sarawak. “This is a very important development and deserves support,” Liau said.
Liau said Parliamentary representation is not simply a question of seat numbers; it is closely tied to protecting Sabah and Sarawak’s position, rights and interests within the Federation of Malaysia. The Prime Minister also referred to the position in 1963, when Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore together held about one-third of Parliamentary representation. The original principle of a balance of power within the Federation should not be set aside.
Liau said Sabah and Sarawak have development, geographic, economic and social realities that differ from those of Peninsular Malaysia. Issues such as water and electricity supply, roads, education, healthcare, rural facilities, housing, employment opportunities and economic development remain major challenges in many areas. Therefore, Borneo’s voice in Parliament must be strong enough for national policy to genuinely take into account the conditions and needs of the people of Sabah and Sarawak.
Liau stressed that discussions on Parliamentary representation cannot be separated from the broader agenda of implementing the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Several important matters still need to be fully implemented, including Sabah’s right to the 40 per cent special grant of net federal revenue collected from Sabah, Borneanisation of the public service, protection of Sabah and Sarawak’s immigration powers, and respect for state jurisdiction over matters such as land, local government, and native customs and interests.
According to Liau, national development must also be viewed in terms of balance between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. Malaysia cannot be considered truly developed if progress is concentrated in only part of the country while other regions still struggle with basic amenities. A stronger Sabah and Sarawak voice in Parliament would help address development gaps, infrastructure, investment and economic opportunities, and this is not an attempt to take away the rights of other states.
Liau expressed hope that subsequent discussions with the Election Commission (EC), State Governments and political parties will focus not only on the number of new seats to be created but also on determining an appropriate representation ratio and the form of constitutional protection to be achieved. Liau said this opportunity should be used to build a solution that not only suits the present but also protects Sabah and Sarawak’s position for future generations.
“A stronger Borneo will not weaken Malaysia. A strong, stable and progressive Sabah and Sarawak will make Malaysia stronger, more balanced and more united,” Liau said. – James Leong
Liau welcomed the Prime Minister’s statement that the government has in principle agreed to raise Sabah and Sarawak’s representation ratio in the Dewan Rakyat.
