Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) will push for 35 per cent parliamentary representation for Sabah and Sarawak to ensure the interests of both Borneo states cannot be overridden in federal decision-making, said its Women Chief Datuk Noraini Idris.
She said the proposal, which requires an amendment to the Federal Constitution, must be achieved through consensus and support from all members in the Parliament.
“This matter involves constitutional amendments, so of course we need agreement from everyone. It’s not something we can do on our own,” she said.
Noraini, a former Senator, said Sabah BN remains committed to championing the demand, stressing that the increasing population of Sabah and Sarawak strengthens the argument for restoring their share of parliamentary seats.
“With the larger population nowadays, we want Sabah and Sarawak to have a more relevant and stronger voice. Any policy decisions should not be made without the consent of both states,” she said.
Noraini who is also Sabah Umno Women Chief, explained that the current distribution places Sabah and Sarawak at about 30 per cent combined would be giving the Peninsular Malaysia 70 per cent — already enough for a two-thirds majority.
“That is why we are requesting 35 per cent representation for Sabah and Sarawak, leaving 65 per cent for Peninsular Malaysia.
“With 65 per cent, they cannot make unilateral decisions. They will still need our consent and our voices are important to be heard,” she said, adding that this forms the core of BN’s long-standing struggle on the issue.
Noraini reminded that if Sabah and Sarawak only have one-third, the remaining two-thirds (peninsula MPs) can still execute decisions without both regions (Sabah and Sarawak).
But with 35 per cent, she said the Federal Government would need the consent of Sabah and Sarawak before passing any policy or decision.
Noraini said the proposal was included in the BN Sabah manifesto and to be pursued if the coalition succeeds in forming the next State government.
“Together with the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Plus-led State government, let’s fight for Sabah and Sarawak to collectively hold 35 per cent of parliamentary seats to ensure their voices cannot be sidelined in Federal decision-making.
“We will fight this through our Members of Parliament (MPs) because this matter is crucial for both Sabah and Sarawak,” she added.
Noraini, who was the BN Sabah Manifesto Committee Chairperson, said pursuing this was one of the key aspects under the fourth pillar – Transformation of Governance and Public Service, of their manifesto named ‘Rancangan Pembangunan Sabah 1’ (RPS 1).
She said the proposed 35 per cent is higher than the traditional one-third benchmark and is aimed at guaranteeing that no Federal policy can be passed without the agreement of both regions (Sabah and Sarawak).
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