THE government has agreed in principle to increase Sabah and Sarawak’s parliamentary representation under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), with a constitutional amendment to ensure the two regions’ share of seats rises from its current level, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today.
He said additional seats in Peninsular Malaysia could also be considered, but any increase must not undermine the principle of raising Sabah and Sarawak’s proportion of parliamentary representation.
“Several decisions can usually be expedited, but one of the more important decisions is to amend the Constitution to allow greater participation by Members of Parliament from Sabah and Sarawak than what was promised under the Malaysia Agreement, MA63.
“The increase must also involve a higher Sabah-Sarawak ratio. It must be understood that the addition of parliamentary seats is within the authority of the Election Commission,” he said at a press conference after chairing the 2026 Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63) meeting at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) in Kota Kinabalu today.
Anwar said no decision had been made on the number of additional seats or whether Sabah and Sarawak would eventually account for 40 per cent of the Dewan Rakyat.
He said the key principle was that any increase must result in a higher representation ratio for the two regions.
“It means there may also be an increase in the Peninsula, and an increase in Sabah and Sarawak, but the increase must not undermine the principle that the ratio of representation for Sabah and Sarawak must be higher than it is now.
“Although under the MA63, with Singapore’s participation, Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak together had one-third of the representation, that proportion is obviously lower now,” he said.
Anwar said representatives from Sabah and Sarawak would subsequently hold discussions with political parties from the Peninsula, while the details and mechanism would have to be worked out with the Election Commission and the state governments.
He stressed that simply adding seats would not be enough if it only served to equalise the existing distribution.
“The increase could be confusing, because adding seats does not necessarily mean it will only ‘equalise’ what exists.
“So, the increase must come with a higher ratio of participation for Sabah and Sarawak. That is the first important point,” he said.
Asked whether the government had set a target of 40 per cent representation for Sabah and Sarawak, Anwar said no such figure had been decided.
“Principally, there must be an increase that will raise the ratio of representation. We have agreed on that, but the details and mechanism must of course be discussed with the Election Commission, the states and the parties involved,” he said.
The MTPMA63 meeting, attended by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, reviewed progress in implementing agreements under MA63.
Among the key matters discussed were the Sabah and Sarawak Border Security Empowerment Initiative, additional posts and the Borneonisation of the Federal public service in Sabah and Sarawak, a review of the Special Grant under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution, and increasing the number of Dewan Rakyat seats for Sabah and Sarawak.
The meeting also examined strategic matters affecting the interests and future of the two regions, with the Federal Government reaffirming its commitment to implementing agreed provisions under MA63.
“MA63 is not merely a historical chapter or a document remembered year after year; it is a national trust and commitment that we must fulfil sincerely, fairly and with full responsibility.
“What has been agreed must be implemented, while matters that remain unresolved must continue to be negotiated with wisdom, sincerity and a spirit of consensus.
“The Federal Government will continue to provide the widest possible space for discussions with the Sabah and Sarawak governments, based on the spirit of unity as partners in the Federation, while ensuring that the country’s development and prosperity are enjoyed fairly and equitably by all Malaysians,” Anwar said.
Anwar is scheduled to return to Kuching, Sarawak, next week for Malaysia Day commemorations.
“Insya-Allah, we will meet again in Kuching, Sarawak next week to celebrate Malaysia Day, reflect on the history of the formation of our country and strengthen our resolve to build a stronger, fairer and more prosperous Malaysia for all.” - September 11, 2026
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