KOTA KINABALU: Formal discussions on increasing parliamentary seats for Sabah and Sarawak have commenced with the Election Commission (EC), says Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Mustapha Sakmud (pic).
Leading his ministry’s Sabah and Sarawak Affairs Division (BHESS), Mustapha met EC chairman Datuk Ramlan Harun yesterday to follow up on a Cabinet decision to boost representation from the two states.
He said the discussions focused on the processes and constitutional, legal and technical considerations involved for the increase.
“This included electoral constituency delineation, the data required and the form of engagement between the government, the EC and relevant stakeholders,” Mustapha said in a statement.
“This is not merely about increasing the number of seats. It is about ensuring that the position and voice of Sabah and Sarawak in Parliament are further strengthened in line with the original spirit behind the formation of Malaysia and the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),” he said.
BHESS will work closely with the EC to ensure follow-up actions comply with the Federal Constitution while respecting the commission’s independent jurisdiction.
