KUCHING, Sept 29 — Sarawak’s push for more parliamentary seats is due to the state’s geographical realities and not out of desire for more power, said Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
The Minister of Women, Family and Community Development said while the population in Sarawak is smaller than in Peninsular Malaysia, mobility across its vast area justifies more representation.
“I know some people argue in terms of population, but if you talk about population, yes, we do not have as many people as in West Malaysia. But in Sarawak, in terms of mobility, the area is so huge.
“Therefore, it is a very justifiable request or claim from Sarawak and Sabah for us to have more parliamentary seats,” she told The Borneo Post in an exclusive interview here yesterday.
The Santubong MP described Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent announcement in Sabah that the number of parliamentary constituencies in the two Borneo states would be increased as “timely and just right”.
“Sarawak has been so patient for a long time. So, Sarawak should be getting it, and even Sabah should be getting it. We deserve it.”
Nancy recalled that the matter had been raised even during her previous tenure as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of legal affairs.
She recalled trying at the time to work out how many additional seats would be needed by both Borneo states.
“But after that, we were no longer the government. Now when I heard that the PM made that announcement, if it is truly so what he meant, of course we accept.
“We welcome that announcement and also the so-called proposal they’re going to bring up,” she said, describing Anwar‘s willingness to accept the proposal as a positive step.
“To me, I support and I really welcome that because suddenly, at least, this idea is being accepted by the Prime Minister of the day who is willing to give this — I should say — as a gift for Sarawak and Sabah.”
Nancy pointed out that Sarawak currently has 31 parliamentary seats and that additional constituencies would help not only in amplifying the state’s voice, but also in securing more development resources.
“Apart from our voices, we need the funding for us to develop the state. So don’t argue about Sarawak being so rich,” she said.
She also highlighted Sarawak’s long record of prudent financial management — something that other states ought to emulate.
Speaking at a Parti Keadilan Rakyat event in Tawau last Friday, Anwar announced that parliamentary seats in Sabah and Sarawak would be increased following requests raised during meetings on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 — the first such move in over three decades. — The Borneo Post
