KUCHING: The Federal government has agreed to consider increasing the number of Dewan Rakyat seats for Sabah and Sarawak, but the final decision is subjected to further discussions at the Cabinet level and details from the legal perspective.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the issue of increasing parliamentary seats still requires detailed study because of differing views between the Sarawak State Attorney-General, the Sabah State Attorney-General, and the Attorney-General.
“But in principle, the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has agreed that this matter can be considered. However, it is subject to negotiations and further detailing because there are differing legal viewpoints.
“We first need to obtain a policy decision, including on the number of additional seats. Conceptually, there will still be an increase in seats, although perhaps not entirely as demanded.
“But the exact number of additional seats has not yet been decided,” he said.
He said this at a press conference after chairing the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63) meeting here on Friday.
He said any policy decision on the matter must first be finalised before moving to the next stage, including the role of the Election Commission (EC) to study the number of additional seats, constituency delimitation and the areas involved.
“If it involves State Assembly (DUN) seats, the authority lies with the state. But if it involves Parliament, it falls under Parliament’s power. Whatever the final decision, it must still be tabled in Parliament.
“The difference is, if the amendment involves DUN seats, only a simple majority is required, but if it involves parliamentary seats, it requires a two-thirds majority support,” he explained.
When asked whether a timeframe had been set to resolve the issue, Fadillah said none had been decided.
“No timeframe has been set. What was decided earlier was for us to sit down again and review all aspects related to this matter,” he said.
In the meeting, which was also attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim; Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg; and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, four main matters were agreed upon under the spirit of MA63.
These include a proposed amendment to the Federal Constitution to allow the Governors of Sabah and Sarawak to endorse the appointment of Judicial Commissioners in both states, which will be brought to the Cabinet.
In addition, the devolution of power on environmental matters (scheduled waste) will be tabled in Parliament in December, along with an amendment to Item 25A (Tourism) in List I (Federal) of the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution.
“As usual, there are matters already achieved, some still at the policy stage, and some demands not fully agreed upon. However, these discussions are important as they demonstrate the government’s commitment to fulfilling demands under the spirit of MA63,” he added.
