PBB to propose an increase in Parliamentary constituencies in Sarawak

BETONG: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) will set up a committee to handle and propose an increase in the number of parliamentary constituencies in Sarawak.

Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the application was in line with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and will be proposed to the Election Commission (EC) for the matter to be finalised.

"We will study not only on new parliamentary constituencies for Betong but statewide... we will take into account the views (of the PBB leadership) in Betong to create three new parliamentary constituencies," he told a press conference after the PBB Special Convention for Betong Zone on Sunday (Oct 8).

He said the application also aligned with the Intergovernmental Committee (IGC) report, which stated the importance of Sabah and Sarawak's voice in the Dewan Rakyat.

Earlier, PBB vice-president Datuk Julaihi Narawi presented nine resolutions from Betong Zone party members, one of which was to increase the number of parliamentary constituencies in Sarawak to maintain a balance and allow Sarawak and Sabah to have one-third representation in the Dewan Rakyat.

The resolution considered at least 12 new parliamentary constituencies in the state.

In the current Parliament, 166 (or 75%) of the 222 seats are in Peninsular Malaysia, while the remaining 25%, or 56 seats, are in Sarawak (31) and Sabah (25).- Bernama