Federal Government Agrees to Increase Parliamentary Representation Ratio for Sabah and Sarawak

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 11 – The Federal Government has agreed in principle to increase the proportion of parliamentary representation for Sabah and Sarawak beyond current levels, aligning with the foundational spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim confirmed that implementing the change will require a constitutional amendment to raise the number of Members of Parliament representing the two Bornean states.

Speaking at a press conference following the 2026 Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63) meeting at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on Friday, Anwar highlighted the historical context behind the initiative. “Under MA63, with Singapore included at the time, Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak accounted for one-third of the representation. The proportion is now obviously lower. So, our decision is that the ratio for Sabah and Sarawak must be increased,” he stated. He added that “this is an important decision that the Cabinet agreed to in principle, in its meeting last Wednesday,” alongside Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Anwar emphasized that the initiative is not merely about adding seats, but ensuring that Sabah and Sarawak’s overall proportion of parliamentary seats rises relative to the total chamber. Addressing queries regarding a potential target of 40 per cent representation for the two states, the Prime Minister explained that exact mechanisms and details will require formal consultations with the Election Commission (EC). He noted that it remains uncertain whether the constitutional adjustments can be enacted prior to the next general election due to required legislative and consultation procedures.

Beyond electoral representation, the MTPMA63 council session also addressed civil service reform, focusing on expediting the creation of posts and advancing the “Borneonisation” of the Federal Public Service in Sabah and Sarawak as recommended by the historic Cobbold Commission. Updating the progress of the administrative transition, Anwar noted, “The first phase of implementation has been completed, while the second phase will be expedited, including the appointment of Sabahans and Sarawakians to key positions.”

–NMT