BERNAMA – PM Agrees In Principle To Consider More Parliamentary Seats For Sabah, Sarawak

KUCHING, Sept 12 (Bernama) — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has agreed in principle to consider increasing the number of parliamentary seats for Sabah and Sarawak, pending further negotiations and scrutiny by the Election Commission (EC).

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the matter was discussed during a Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63) meeting chaired by the Prime Minister here today.

“With regard to parliamentary seats, it will be further scrutinised…but in principle, the Prime Minister agreed that it can be considered, subject to further negotiation and detailed planning,” he told reporters after the meeting, which was also attended by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

Fadillah, who is also Petra Jaya MP, explained that any amendment involving parliamentary seats requires a two-thirds majority in the Dewan Rakyat, while state seats fall under the jurisdiction of the respective state governments.

On another development, he said the meeting also agreed that appointments of judges involving Sabah and Sarawak must include formal consultation with the respective state governors, and that constitutional amendments will be made to formalise the process.

“This process is already being carried out administratively. Any judicial appointments involving Sabah and Sarawak are referred to the respective state governors. The Constitution will now be amended to officially recognise this,” he said.

Fadillah added that the council also agreed to amend Article 95C of the Federal Constitution to give Sabah and Sarawak authority over scheduled waste management and environmental matters in their respective states.

The amendment is expected to be tabled in Parliament this December.

In the area of tourism, Fadillah said a technical committee will further review proposed constitutional amendments after the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has completed engagement with all state governments.

“We are still evaluating it within the context of possible constitutional amendments. The technical committee will refine it further as agreed earlier. The Ministry of Tourism must engage with every state on this matter,” he added.

— BERNAMA

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