Idup ka nyawa dulu. Udah urat tegap, baru kitai ulih bejaku (Give life to yourself first. Once your foundation is solid, then you can talk and act).
– Tun Datuk Patinggi Temenggong Jugah
The journey to secure Sarawak’s rightful representation is far from over. In the Viewpoint section on Nov 2, I argued for the restoration of our rightful one-third representation in Parliament, stressing the historical and constitutional legitimacy of our demand, and reminding Putrajaya to fulfil this commitment as part of the federation’s founding principles.
Today, I continue my argument in my column on the same important topic.
Over the decades, the dominance of Malaya in Parliament has eroded the autonomy Sarawak and Sabah were promised, raising serious concerns about the integrity of Malaysia’s federation and the treatment of its constituent states.
As it stands, Malaya commands 166 seats out of 222, a staggering 75 per cent share, leaving Sarawak and Sabah with only 25 per cent of parliamentary seats. This disparity undermines Sarawak’s influence, allowing important bills to be pushed through without adequate representation from Sarawak and Sabah.
It is an imbalance that not only stifles our voices but also weakens the entire federation by sidelining the diverse needs and perspectives of the people of East Malaysia.
Our demand is clear: restore the one-third seat allocation promised to Sarawak and Sabah. This is not a new or unreasonable demand but a call to honour an existing agreement. Sarawak leaders have been advocating for a fair distribution of parliamentary seats since Singapore’s expulsion from the federation in 1965.
Contrary to popular belief, Singapore did not leave on its own accord; it was actually the decision by then-Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman to expel Singapore from the federation. This expulsion inadvertently altered the dynamics within Malaysia, reducing the balance of power for Sarawak and Sabah. The need to address this inequity has been pressing ever since.
The concept of an unwritten ‘social contract’ has often been cited in Malaya, where Malay leaders remind non-Malays of the ‘generosity’ extended to them at the time of Malaysia’s formation, particularly in the granting of citizenship and other rights. This is seen as a reciprocal understanding to maintain the country’s unity and harmony.
However, by the same token, the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) is far more than a mere social contract; it is a formal and foundational document, an agreement ratified to protect the unique identities, rights and autonomy of Sarawak and Sabah.
MA63 stands as a legally binding framework, not a negotiable suggestion, and Putrajaya must adhere to it with the same reverence they expect others to hold for the social contract.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s Madani government has often spoken of fairness, equality, and respect for the principles embedded in MA63. It is now time for Anwar and his government to turn these words into action.
Constitutional amendments are needed to restore Sarawak and Sabah’s parliamentary representation to the original one-third allocation, a move that would demonstrate a commitment to genuine federalism. Putrajaya must act decisively to fulfil this commitment, proving that the Madani government’s ideals are more than mere rhetoric.
Failing to restore this balance not only threatens the stability of the current administration but also erodes trust in the federal system as a whole.
This isn’t merely about numbers; the one-third seat allocation is a safeguard designed to ensure that Sarawak and Sabah’s unique interests and identities are neither overlooked nor marginalised. This principle aligns with international best practices, as seen in the United Kingdom’s approach to parliamentary representation which considers regional contributions, geographical challenges and historical significance when determining representation, an approach Malaysia would do well to adopt.
Sarawak’s vast, remote areas struggle with representation based solely on population. A seat allocation that factors in both geographical size and significance of contribution is crucial for fair governance and equal representation for all Malaysians, regardless of their place of residence.
Equally important is the need for a stable political foundation. The equitable distribution of seats ensures that we, as equal partners in Malaysia, hold sufficient bargaining power within Parliament. Without this balance, unilateral decisions from Malaya may lead to dissatisfaction and alienation within Sarawak and Sabah, eroding national unity and increasing the risk of political friction.
Restoring the one-third seat allocation will lay a solid foundation for political harmony, giving Sabah and Sarawak the representation they were promised.
The call for one-third representation is deeply rooted in the spirit of MA63. As Tun Datuk Patinggi Temenggong Jugah famously said, “Let Malaysia not be like sugarcane, sweet at first but bland towards the end.” It is time for Malaya to honour the original promises made to our forefathers and to demonstrate that our federation stands for fairness, equality and respect.
Failing to restore this balance not only betrays the trust placed in MA63 but also risks unravelling the very fabric of Malaysia.
Furthermore, international observers are increasingly paying attention to how Malaysia treats its eastern states. Putrajaya’s continued failure to restore this balance may ultimately harm Malaysia’s reputation on the global stage, casting doubt on its commitment to unity, diversity and regional equity.
This imbalance contradicts the government’s professed commitment to inclusive governance, as outlined in the Madani framework. It is also at odds with Malaysia’s ambition to be a respected leader in ASEAN, as a truly united and inclusive nation.
Putrajaya must realise that Sarawak will not waver in its demand for what is rightfully ours. The one-third allocation of parliamentary seats is not a request; it is a right, enshrined in MA63. This allocation is a cornerstone of Malaysia’s founding principles and a vital component of the federation’s stability.
By respecting this agreement, Putrajaya would not only uphold its obligations but also strengthen Malaysia’s unity, ensuring that Sarawak and Sabah feel valued and equal within the federation.
The time to act is now. Putrajaya must not wait until the next general election to address this issue, as any delay would risk a potential shift in political power, which could set back negotiations to square one.
Action must be taken while the Madani government is still in power, committed to upholding the spirit of MA63 and addressing East Malaysia’s long-standing grievances. The federal government must be seen to be serious and provide a clear timeline for restoring parliamentary balance, showing Malaysians that fairness and justice are the bedrock of our federation.
Restoring parliamentary balance is more than a matter of legislative procedure – it is a matter of justice, equality and respect for the promises made at Malaysia’s formation. By restoring this balance, Malaysia can take a decisive step towards a more united, respectful and harmonious federation, where each state has a voice and a stake in shaping the nation’s future.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune.
