The representation of Sarawak, Sabah in Parliament needs to be clarified

KUCHING, 26 September: The formula for representation of Sarawak and Sabah in the Lok Sabha should be discussed first before any decision on adding seats to Parliament is made.

The Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said that the discussion should involve the Prime Minister of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

According to him, the legislative aspects and corresponding formula should be examined in order to determine the ratio of representation of the two states concerned in the Lok Sabha.

"In the cabinet, Grandpa Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi and I have spoken out. But, from the standpoint of a parliamentary seat, we haven't spoken out yet because we are focusing more on a DUN seat first.

"This parliamentary seat, as we have spoken on our behalf by the Sarawak Prime Minister, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Chief Minister Sabah, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor along with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, they need to compile what is said ratio. It's not how many seats because when Singapore left Malaysia, one third of the parliamentary seats were said to be empty. So one-third is how that one-third formula was created, it needs to be discussed together in terms of its legality", he said.

He said this while answering a question from the press after his previous attendance, inaugurating the Motivation and Guidance Program for Study Opportunities of High School Students organized by the University of Sarawak Alumni Association (MITSA) which took place at Bako National High School (SMK), on Saturday.

Nancy said she is now more focused on fighting for additional seats in the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN).

It is clear that the proposals related to the parliamentary seats have not been specifically discussed at central level as they want to wait for discussions on the ratio formula to be finalised in advance.

At the same time, Nancy said that she and Sarawak's representative in the Federal Cabinet have voiced issues related to the addition of Sarawak's DUN seat.

He said that the matter was also received a good response from Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and will be discussed through discussions between the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. -TVS