KUCHING: The imbalance of current parliamentary seat distribution is a risk potentially leading to unilateral decisions on significant issues, including constitutional amendments, said Dr Romzi Ationg, a senior lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).
Romzi has raised concerns regarding the current parliamentary seat distribution, describing it as imbalanced, particularly across regions such as Sabah, Sarawak, and Peninsular Malaysia.
He noted that over two-thirds of parliamentary seats are located in Peninsular Malaysia, leaving less than one-third for Sabah and Sarawak combined.
“This disparity could result in decisions that disproportionately favour Peninsular Malaysia, potentially sidelining the interests of Sabah and Sarawak,” he said when contacted by Sarawak Tribune.
According to Romzi, this imbalance risks leading to unilateral decisions on significant issues, including constitutional amendments, where the lack of adequate representation from Sabah and Sarawak could influence outcomes that lean heavily towards the peninsula.
He also stressed the importance of ensuring fairness by preventing any form of unilateral decision-making, advocating for increased representation from Sabah and Sarawak as a step towards justice.
“An increase in seats or percentage representation would allow Sabah and Sarawak’s voices to hold greater weight,” he added.
He also said the demand for one-third of parliamentary seats for Sabah and Sarawak could bring about positive effects in terms of political, economic, and social fairness across Malaysia.
