Sabah, Sarawak push for clarity on representation formula before seat expansion

KUCHING — Sabah and Sarawak representatives have raised concerns about Parliament's potential expansion, urging Putrajaya to clarify the constitutional formula governing the two states' representation before proceeding with any increase in seat numbers.

The issue centres on Article 159 of the Federal Constitution, which stipulates that Sabah and Sarawak must maintain at least one-third of total parliamentary seats. Regional leaders have indicated that without resolving this mechanism first, any seat expansion could create confusion about the states' proportional representation.

Statewide officials stressed that the one-third representation guarantee is a constitutional cornerstone that must be addressed systematically. They argued that adding seats without establishing how the formula applies to a larger Parliament risks undermining this longstanding constitutional provision.

The concerns highlight ongoing discussions between federal authorities and the two states regarding electoral reform and parliamentary representation. Officials indicated they remain open to Parliament's expansion, provided that the constitutional safeguards protecting Sabah and Sarawak's interests are clarified and protected.

The matter reflects broader efforts to balance Malaysia's electoral system modernisation with constitutional commitments made to the East Malaysian states during their federation into Malaysia.