World · Malaysia Bureau
Sarawak minister insists one-third representation principle is non-negotiable
The Sarawak state minister has reaffirmed that the constitutional principle guaranteeing the state one-third representation in parliament remains a cornerstone of the Malaysia Agreement and cannot be reopened for discussion.
LSN Malaysia ·
Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has stated firmly that Sarawak's entitlement to one-third parliamentary representation is anchored in the original 1963 Malaysia Agreement and remains immutable.
The minister emphasized that the principle was established as a foundational element when Malaysia was formed, serving as a key safeguard for Sarawak's interests within the federation. According to Rahman Hamzah, this constitutional commitment cannot be revisited or renegotiated under any circumstances.
The one-third representation clause has historically been significant to Sarawak's political standing, ensuring the state maintains a proportional voice in national parliament relative to its population and constitutional status. Rahman Hamzah's comments underscore the state government's position that such fundamental agreements from the federation's inception should remain beyond the scope of political negotiation.
The statement comes as part of ongoing discussions about federal-state relations and parliamentary representation arrangements in Malaysia, with Sarawak seeking to preserve guarantees written into the original federation agreement.