PUTRAJAYA: The ruling component parties have yet to discuss and study the proposal to increase Sabah and Sarawak’s parliamentary seats, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said that the matter would need to be discussed with the Election Commission (EC) and other political parties as well.
“When the time comes, we will discuss this proposal together with party members and leaders, in the government and the Opposition,” he told reporters during his Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open House here on Sunday (April 13).
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof emphasised that the proposal to amend the one-third or 35% parliamentary seat quota for Sabah and Sarawak requires direct discussions, particularly with MPs from Peninsular Malaysia.
He said that the demand for a greater share of parliamentary seats is both complex and challenging as it requires more than negotiations at the ministerial and agency levels.
On a separate matter, Ahmad Zahid said Barisan is open to any negotiations for any alliance with other political parties for elections.
“There had been meetings between Barisan and Pakatan Harapan (in Sabah), there were also discussions with other political parties in the state.
“It would be great if party leaders could find compatibility, be it from any alliance,” the Barisan chairman said when asked to comment on Sabah Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin’s statement to partner up with Sabah Pakatan for the next state election earlier Sunday.
“Negotiations will still go on,” said Ahmad Zahid.
Bung Moktar had confirmed that the state’s chapter would work partner with Sabah Pakatan Harapan, signalling a united front aimed at realigning politically and addressing long-standing development issues.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Minister, said over 20,000 people had attended his open house at Sri Putra here.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail were among the dignitaries who attended the event.
