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The call for equitable political representation in the Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives) for Sabah and Sarawak transcends mere numbers; it is a matter of justice, dignity, and honouring promises made over half a century ago. 

When Malaysia was formed in 1963, 35 percent of the 159 parliamentary seats were allocated to Singapore, Sabah, and Sarawak. After Singapore’s exit in 1965, these seats were unfairly grabbed by Peninsular Malaysia. 

Today, Peninsular Malaysia holds an overwhelming 166 (75pc) of the 222 Dewan Rakyat seats, leaving Sabah and Sarawak with merely 56 seats (25pc). This disproportionate distribution has ignited renewed calls to restore the 35pc share for East Malaysia, empowering Sabah and Sarawak to shape Malaysia’s destiny more effectively.

The Case for Equal Allocation between Sabah and Sarawak

As equal partners in the formation of Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak deserve to each be allocated 17.5pc of the Dewan Rakyat seats, collectively making up the 35pc share. This approach respects the principle of equal partnership, ensuring both East Malaysian states stand on equal footing in the federal parliament, where every decision impacts their unique and diverse needs.

Different Needs of Sabah and Sarawak

Sabah and Sarawak, with their rich cultural heritages and distinct landscapes, have different needs that must be addressed:

Sabah - With a population of approximately 3.9 million, Sabah’s challenges include infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for its youth. Moreover, Sabah is guided by its 20-Point Agreement, which outlines specific conditions and safeguards, reflecting its unique requirements and aspirations.

Sarawak - Although less populated with around 2.8 million people, Sarawak’s vast land area of 124,450 square kilometres demands a focus on connectivity, rural development, and conservation of its unique environmental resources. Sarawak’s own 18-Point Agreement similarly sets out conditions tailored to its distinctive context.

These differing needs highlight the importance of balanced representation to ensure that policies cater to both states’ unique circumstances.

Historical vs Current vs Proposed Representation Formation of Malaysia:

Malaya: 104 seats, representing 65.41pc (population of approximately 6.6 million).

Sabah: 16 seats, representing 10.06pc (population of approximately 454,421).

Sarawak: 24 seats, representing 15.09pc (population of approximately 744,529).

Singapore: 15 seats, representing 9.43pc (population of approximately 1.76 million).

This allocation was designed to ensure representation from each of the regions in the Malaysian Parliament. However, in 1965, Singapore left Malaysia and became an independent country, which subsequently altered the distribution of seats in the Malaysian Parliament.

Current Distribution:

Sabah holds 25 seats, representing 11.26pc of the total (population of approximately 3.9 million).

Sarawak holds 31 seats, representing 13.96pc of the total (population of approximately 2.8 million).

Together, they hold 56 seats, or 25.23pc.

Proposed Equal Allocation:

Sabah would hold 39 seats, representing 17.58pc.

Sarawak would hold 38 seats, representing 17.12pc.

Together, they would hold 77 seats, or 34.7pc.

This balanced distribution not only reflects the principle of equal partnership but also acknowledges the distinct needs and voices of both states.

Legal Basis for Seat Allocation and Alignment with Electoral Laws and Processes

The Federal Constitution provides the legal basis for parliamentary seat allocation in Malaysia, specifically under Articles 46 and 116. These articles mandate that seat distribution should consider population size, geographical area, and the need for balanced representation.

Article 46 of the Federal Constitution states the composition and distribution of seats among the states. This article provides the framework for ensuring that parliamentary representation reflects the diverse demographics and needs of Malaysia’s states.

Article 116 outlines the principles for the division of the Federation into constituencies, emphasizing that electoral boundaries should be drawn to ensure fair representation. This article, along with the 13th Schedule, mandates that delineation and re-delineation of electoral boundaries must ensure equal representation, giving weight to the difficulties of reaching electors in rural constituencies.

The 13th Schedule states that delineation and re-delineation of electoral boundaries must ensure equal representation, as outlined in section 2(c): “the number of electors within each constituency in a State ought to be approximately equal except that, having regard to the greater difficulty of reaching electors in the country districts and the other disadvantages facing rural constituencies, a measure of weightage for area ought to be given to such constituencies.”

Equitable Representation and Compliance

Equal Representation - The proposed equal allocation of seats for Sabah and Sarawak adheres to the constitutional requirement for approximately equal numbers of electors within each constituency, ensuring fair and equitable representation.

Prevention of Malapportionment - By adjusting the seats to better reflect population and geographical considerations, the proposed changes aim to prevent malapportionment, where one person’s vote has more weight than another’s, thereby ensuring voting power is equally distributed.

Compliance with Constitutional Provisions

Principle of Equality - The Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the formation of Malaysia were based on the principle of equal partnership among Malaya, Sabah, and Sarawak. Equal allocation honours this foundational principle and aligns with the intent of MA63.

Balanced Representation - The Federal Constitution allows for adjustments to ensure balanced representation. The current underrepresentation of Sabah vis a vis Sarawak can be rectified through constitutional amendments that respect the need for balanced political influence among the states.

Addressing Population and Geographical Considerations - While Sabah has a larger population and Sarawak a larger land area, the differences are not substantial enough to preclude equal representation. The proposed allocation fairly addresses these considerations.

Addressing Population and Land Area Considerations

Sabah, with its growing population, and Sarawak, with its vast land area, both deserve greater representation. However, the principle of equal partnership should take precedence over these differences:

Sabah - Population of approximately 3.9 million.

Sarawak - Population of approximately 2.8 million.

While Sarawak’s land area is larger—124,450 square kilometres compared to Sabah’s 73,904 square kilometres—the principle of equal partnership ensures that both states receive balanced attention and resources, fostering development and addressing their unique needs.

Further Justifications for Equal Allocation

Honouring Historical Agreements - The Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) was built on the principle of equal partnership among Malaya, Sabah, and Sarawak. Equal representation in the federal parliament honours this foundational agreement, respecting the spirit of MA63 and reaffirming the commitment to a united and equitable federation.

Ensuring Balanced Political Influence - Equal allocation of seats prevents any one state from having disproportionate influence over federal decisions.

This balance is crucial for maintaining the autonomy and rights of both states, ensuring that neither Peninsular Malaysia nor one of the East Malaysian states can unilaterally amend the constitution without broad-based support.

Promoting Equitable Development - Both Sabah and Sarawak have unique economic challenges and opportunities. Equal representation ensures that federal policies and resource allocations consider the distinct needs and potentials of both states, promoting equitable development across Malaysia.

This balanced approach supports the overall growth and prosperity of the nation.

Respecting Cultural and Ethnic Diversity - Sabah and Sarawak have diverse ethnic and cultural landscapes. Equal representation in parliament ensures that the voices of various ethnic groups are heard and considered in national policymaking, fostering inclusivity and respect for diversity.

This inclusivity strengthens the social fabric of Malaysia, promoting harmony and understanding among its people.

Current Political Climate and Minority Governments

In the current political climate, where minority governments and coalition politics have become the norm, every seat in the Dewan Rakyat counts significantly towards forming a stable administration.

Enhancing the representation of Sabah and Sarawak is crucial for ensuring that the voices and interests of these states are adequately considered. This balanced representation would contribute to more comprehensive and inclusive policymaking, providing crucial stability and balance in the federal parliament.

The Call

The call to restore the 35pc share of Dewan Rakyat seats for East Malaysia, with an equal allocation between Sabah and Sarawak, is rooted in the principles of equality, justice, and historical agreements.

This change is essential to uphold the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963, ensure balanced political influence, address long-standing grievances, and promote equitable development and cultural representation. 

Restoring equal representation is a crucial step towards reinforcing the federation’s unity and respecting the unique identities and needs of Sabah and Sarawak. By doing so, Malaysia can move forward as a more inclusive and balanced nation, honouring its foundational principles and ensuring a fair future for all its states.

The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express.

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