KUCHING: The proposal to allocate 35 percent of Dewan Rakyat seats to Sabah and Sarawak is a move aimed at protecting the interests of both states in the Malaysian Parliament, says Datuk John Tenewi Nuek.
The Sarawak Initiatives (TSI) chairman said this is to ensure that Sabah and Sarawak are not overshadowed by the more dominant states in Peninsular Malaysia.
“The 35 percent allocation is not a demand but a necessary safeguard.
“The first thing we need to look at is its historical context, how Malaysia was negotiated. The agreement involved four parties: Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak, and Sabah.
“Sabah and Sarawak, in particular, were concerned about not being bullied by the ‘big brothers,’ including Singapore at the time,” he said during a press conference highlighting the resolution of the Borneo States Symposium recently.
Tenewi also highlighted that the increase in parliamentary seats is vital to maintain a balance of power between the states.
When asked about the potential impact on the electoral system, given that Sabah and Sarawak represent only 18.1 percent of Malaysia’s electorate, Tenewi urged people to focus on the broader implications.
“We must insist on the 35 percent allocation as part of the bigger picture. Sabah and Sarawak need the assurance that they won’t be dominated by the ‘big brothers’,” he said.
Tenewi further explained that without this safeguard, it would be possible for laws to be changed without the consent of the Bornean states, something that has happened in the past.
“Without the one-third seats, it would be possible for Malaysians to change laws as they please, something we have seen in the past.
“When Malaysia was formed, Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore collectively held more than one-third of the seats. There must have been a reason for this. For any successful partnership, there must be some equity in how the balance of power is being played out.
“So, I think the stand of our government is very clear,” he added.
Tenewi also mentioned that both the Sabah and Sarawak governments have expressed support for the 35 percent seat allocation in Parliament, with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and several cabinet ministers endorsing the proposal.
Meanwhile, Sabah Action Body Advocating Rights (SABAR) chairman, Datuk Zainie Abdul Aucasa, also voiced his support for the 35 percent seat allocation.
“Our Chief Minister has recently made a statement in support of this increase through the Dewan Rakyat, and we stand behind it. We have decided not to entertain any opposing views on the matter,” he added.
