KUCHING: “Sarawak and Sabah must restore and secure one-third of parliamentary seats in the Dewan Rakyat to prevent unilateral constitutional amendments by West Malaysia,” said Soo Tien Ren, Special Assistant to Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen.
He said this principle is reflected in the Cobbold Commission Report, which shows that the people of Sarawak and Sabah do not want constitutional amendments to be made without proper checks and balances from East Malaysia.
When Malaysia was formed in 1963, Malaya, Sarawak, Sabah and Singapore collectively held one-third of parliamentary seats, ensuring that constitutional changes could not be passed without East Malaysia’s support.
After Singapore’s exit in 1965, these seats were left vacant, giving West Malaysia greater dominance. Based on the original arrangement and the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement, Sarawak and Sabah should reclaim and secure their rightful one-third representation.
On safeguarding East Malaysia’s interests, Soo said, “To strengthen these protections, we propose two key reforms.
First, the Federal Constitution should be amended so that any change affecting Sarawak and Sabah requires the consent of both state assemblies. Second, the Senate should be reformed so that senators from Sarawak and Sabah have substantive veto powers on constitutional matters concerning their core interests.”
Referring to differing views from other parties, he added, “It is important that discussions on parliamentary representation are grounded in history, legality, and practicality, rather than rhetoric. The focus should be on finding real, workable solutions that genuinely protect Sarawak’s and Sabah’s interests.”
Soo added that DAP has always maintained a consistent position and as Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii has said, Sarawak’s parliamentary seats should, and must, be increased. Only then can we restore the true spirit of Malaysia’s founding and ensure that the rights of East Malaysians are no longer sidelined.”
By Connie Chieng