KUCHING, MALAYSIA Oct 6 – Mas Gading MP P.192, Mordi Bimol, welcomed Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement on adding parliamentary seats for Sabah and Sarawak, while emphasizing that this step must adhere to the 35 percent representation principle as guaranteed under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
In a statement issued yesterday, Mordi Bimol described the proposal as an “important commitment towards restoring the original spirit of MA63 and strengthening the position of Sabah and Sarawak as partners in the Malaysian Federation.” He added that the addition of seats could serve as a key mechanism to restore the legislative power balance that has eroded since Malaysia’s formation over 62 years ago.
Mordi Bimol called for the seat addition to ensure that the 35 percent representation for both regions is truly respected. “This is crucial so that every legislative policy and federal government policy always takes into account the views and interests of the people in Sabah and Sarawak in a fair and balanced manner,” he said, referring to the erosion of rights in Sabah and Sarawak due to laws and policies passed since 1963.
He also highlighted the widening development gap between East Malaysia and Peninsular Malaysia, despite Sabah and Sarawak’s significant contributions of natural resources and revenue to the federal government. “This situation raises questions as to whether the imbalance in the policy-making process, largely determined by representatives from Peninsular Malaysia, has affected fairness in the distribution of national resources,” Mordi stressed.
According to him, the addition of seats will strengthen the voice of the Borneo bloc in determining the direction of national development policies, while addressing jurisdictional disputes between federal and state levels. “With stronger parliamentary representation, Sabah and Sarawak can play a more effective role in ensuring that federal laws always respect state government jurisdictions and rights guaranteed under MA63,” he added.
While acknowledging the “one person, one vote, one value” principle as the basis of modern democracy, Mordi Bimol asserted that the 35 percent representation cannot be compromised, given that the population of Sabah and Sarawak accounts for only about 20 percent of Malaysia’s total population. “It protects the historical rights and political position of both regions,” he said.
As an alternative proposal, he suggested increasing Sabah and Sarawak’s representation in the Dewan Negara to at least 35 percent (25 out of 70 seats) if the addition of Dewan Rakyat seats cannot be implemented immediately. “This would be an alternative to ensure legislative voice balance between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia,” he stated.
Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement on adding seats comes amid government efforts to restore the spirit of MA63, which has been a hot issue among Sabah and Sarawak representatives in recent years. Mordi Bimol, representing the Mas Gading constituency in Sarawak, has often been a vocal advocate for Borneo’s rights in the Dewan Rakyat.