The 35 seats allocated to Singapore under the terms of MA63 to ensure fair representation were usurped by peninsula in 1965, leaving both Sabah and Sarawak greatly disadvantaged when it came to the passing of Bills and having their voices heard.
Today, Peninsular Malaysia holds an overwhelming 166 of the 222 Dewan Rakyat seats, leaving Sabah and Sarawak with merely 56 seats . 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.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.
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. 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.- The Malaysia Agreement 1963 was built on the principle of equal partnership among Malaya, Sabah, and Sarawak.
This inclusivity strengthens the social fabric of Malaysia, promoting harmony and understanding among its people.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.