Nancy: Settle Sabah, Sarawak representation before adding seats

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 27, 2026

Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri urged Putrajaya to finalize the implementation method for the one-third parliamentary representation formula for Sabah and Sarawak before adding new seats. This step is crucial to uphold the Malaysia Agreement 1963 commitments and requires thorough dialogue among key state and federal leaders to ensure balanced and lawful enactment.

Putrajaya must resolve how to implement the one-third representation formula for Sabah and Sarawak in the Dewan Rakyat before considering the addition of new parliamentary seats, said Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. The Women, Family and Community Development Minister and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) women’s movement vice-president emphasized the need for comprehensive discussions on the matter involving key stakeholders.

Nancy noted that she and several Sarawak leaders, including cabinet ministers, had raised concerns about the issue, which had been more focused previously on enhancing representation in the Sarawak state legislative assembly. “I am aligned with Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi in Cabinet,” she stated, referring to the Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, underscoring the necessity of a legislative approach to establishing the one-third formula.

Speaking after participating in a Motivation and Guidance Programme for Study Opportunities and the UiTM Sarawak branch academic exhibition at SMK Bako, Nancy explained that dialogue was essential among the Sarawak Premier, Sabah Chief Minister, and the Federal Government to determine the appropriate mechanism and framework for enacting the representation formula. She indicated that these discussions should carefully balance the interests of all parties involved before any decision is made concerning the expansion of parliamentary seats.

The proposal to increase Sabah and Sarawak’s parliamentary representation is a response to the regions’ special status under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim previously affirmed that the government had agreed in principle to enhance Sabah and Sarawak’s seats in the Dewan Rakyat, reflecting their original position in the federation’s formation. He highlighted that this agreement was a significant outcome of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council meeting.

The issue underscores ongoing efforts to address representation disparities and honor constitutional commitments linked to Malaysia’s federal arrangement. However, the precise method for applying the one-third representation quota remains under consultation, signaling further engagement among federal and state leaders before formal legislative changes are tabled.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.