Sabah, Sarawak politicians push for one-third representation formula first

KUCHING — Politicians from Sabah and Sarawak have urged the federal government to settle the constitutional one-third representation formula as a prerequisite to any discussion about increasing their parliamentary seats.

The call comes as part of ongoing negotiations between state leaders and Putrajaya over the terms of the Malaysia Agreement 1963. Under the original agreement, Sabah and Sarawak are entitled to one-third representation in Parliament, a provision that has remained contentious in federal-state relations.

State representatives emphasized that establishing the one-third formula should be addressed through constitutional amendments before any new seat allocations are considered. They argue that honoring the original constitutional arrangement is fundamental to any further agreements on representation.

The issue reflects broader concerns among East Malaysian politicians about the implementation of Malaysia Agreement 1963 provisions and the protection of Sabah and Sarawak's constitutionally guaranteed status within the federation. Officials indicated that resolving this matter would strengthen the foundation for future discussions on parliamentary representation and state autonomy.