SIBU: The push for Sabah and Sarawak to hold one-third of the seats in Parliament is not merely a matter of political representation, but a crucial safeguard for the constitutional rights and interests of the two Borneo states, said Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Youth chief, Councillor Kevin Lau Kor Jie.
Lau said the recent agreement reached at a high-level meeting involving the Prime Minister, Sarawak Premier and Sabah Chief Minister on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) marked an important step towards strengthening the position of Sabah and Sarawak within the federation.
He stressed that the rights of both states under MA63 are constitutionally protected, making adequate parliamentary representation particularly important when matters involving their constitutional position are being considered.
“Since constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority, having one-third of the parliamentary seats for Sabah and Sarawak is important in safeguarding our rights,” he said.
Lau said such representation would help ensure that issues affecting Sarawak could not be addressed without proper consultation with the state, particularly where its consent is constitutionally required.
He said this when attending a Mooncake Festival celebration organised by the Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) Sg. Sadit Kiri held at a restaurant, West Bank here yesterday evening for families and friends in the Engkilo community.
While the celebration centred on reunion and fellowship, Lau, who is also SUPP Bawang Assan Branch chairman, used the occasion to highlight the broader importance of unity — both within local communities and in protecting Sarawak’s interests at the national level.
He said community leaders had an important role to play beyond administrative duties, particularly in creating opportunities for residents to come together and strengthen ties.
“Programmes such as this bring people closer, strengthen bonds among residents and help build a caring community where everyone looks out for one another,” he said.
The celebration, brought together Engkilo residents, their families and friends in an evening of fellowship and festive celebration.
Lau said the spirit of the Mooncake Festival — centred on reunion, care and mutual support — reflected the importance of maintaining strong relationships within the community.
He also urged Sarawakians to remain united in defending the state’s rights under MA63, stressing that the responsibility extended beyond the interests of the present generation.
“Safeguarding Sarawak’s rights is not only about what we stand to gain today, but also about what we leave for the generations that come after us,” he said.
Lau thanked the JKKK Sg. Sadit Kiri for inviting him to the celebration, as well as members of the Engkilo community for their warm hospitality.
He said such gatherings demonstrated the strength of community spirit and the importance of maintaining unity among Sarawakians.
