The push by Sarawak and Sabah to restore their one-third parliamentary representation is not just about numbers.
It is about fairness. It’s about rights. It’s about restoring the balance promised at the birth of Malaysia.
Yet, a campaign led by several Malayan NGOs is trying to block this, denying Sarawak and Sabah their rightful place in the nation’s decision-making process.
Why is this so?
When Sarawak and Sabah joined Malaysia in 1963, it was under clear terms. The Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) didn’t treat them as just two more states.
They were equal partners. What is a key part of this agreement? One-third of parliamentary seats for Sarawak, Sabah, and Singapore, ensuring East Malaysia would never be sidelined by the more populous Malaya.
But today, that balance has been lost. Sarawak and Sabah no longer hold that one-third. Their influence in Parliament has shrunk, even as Malaya’s control has grown.
This shift leaves Sarawak and Sabah underrepresented, unable to defend their interests fully in national debates. It also opens the possibility of being steamrolled when pushing Bills that could impact the two regions negatively.
To many, while fairness is a core value the nation is built upon, that same spirit appears to be diminishing.
The NGOs opposing Sarawak and Sabah’s claim have a simple argument: representation should be based on population.
They say giving more seats to East Malaysia would distort democracy. In their eyes, more people mean more votes, and that’s the end of the story. But this argument is too simplistic.
They even went as far as to suggest that Sarawak and Sabah be accorded one-third representation in the Senate instead of Parliament.
This proposal not only seems absurd and strays from the original intent of the request but also gives the impression that they are underestimating our intelligence.
Sarawak and Sabah did not agree to form Malaysia with Malaya and Singapore to be treated like other Malayan states. They joined under a special agreement, one that promised them a voice strong enough to protect their unique interests.
This contention is the primary factor behind the challenges that have hindered progress in the Borneo states, as resources are allocated according to population size rather than urgent requirements.
This opposition is part of a wider pattern. Sarawak and Sabah have faced decades of underdevelopment.
While Malaya grew, East Malaysia lagged despite its wealth in resources like oil and gas. Federal policies often prioritised the West, leaving Sarawak and Sabah to play catch-up.
Denying their request for restored parliamentary representation deepens this sense of marginalisation.
It’s as if West Malaysia wants to keep the status quo — where decisions are made with little input from the East, even though those decisions impact them just as much. Is this the promised equality?
Restoring one-third of representation for Sarawak and Sabah isn’t about special treatment. It is about honouring the agreements that brought Malaysia together.
If Sarawak and Sabah are to be truly equal partners in this federation, they need the political power to back that up.
Without this, can we call Malaysia a federation of equals?
Those opposing this move are missing the bigger picture. Sarawak and Sabah’s demand for fair representation is not about disrupting national unity. It’s about strengthening it.
When every part of Malaysia is treated fairly, and all regions have a voice, we can build a stronger, more cohesive nation where differing opinions, views, and standpoints are not only allowed but celebrated.
But if one-third of the country feels marginalised and ignored, what kind of unity are we building?
The campaign by Malayan NGOs to block Sarawak and Sabah’s rightful representation is not about defending democracy. It’s about maintaining a system that keeps the power in Malaya’s hands.
This should not be the case, and I think Malaya should be more open-minded to having a stronger and more stable federation.
Stability is what East Malaysia brings to the table, particularly Sarawak. If they were still trying to treat us as fixed deposits, consider this: It is time the fixed deposits get bigger. That’s job security for you.
Regardless of how they see it, and irrespective of how we sell it, the call for better representation should not be ignored.
It is time to give Sarawak and Sabah their rightful place in Parliament to build a Malaysia where all regions are treated as true equals.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.
