Increase number of parliamentary seats for Sarawak too — Masing

KUCHING: The upcoming proposed amendment to Article 1( 2) of the Federal Constitution should also include increasing the number of parliamentary seats in Sarawak, said Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing.

He explained that during the formation of Malaysia in 1963, Sarawak was allocated 23 per cent of parliamentary seats.

However, with the secession of Singapore in 1965 and the creation of federal territories and the increase of parliamentary seats over the years, Sarawak only has 31 parliamentary seats, which is equivalent to 18 per cent of the total 222 seats in the Parliament.

“We should have 38 parliamentary seats instead of 31 now. Therefore, the Federal Constitution amendment to recognise Sarawak as a region must include this amendment which would increase Sarawak’s parliamentary seats from 31 to 38.

“Putrajaya must take this increase of parliamentary seats for Swak and Sabah. The number of parliamentary seats or members of parliament is crucial in determining who is in control of the political administration in Malaysia,” he said.

Masing, who is also Parti Rakyat Sarawak president, was commenting on the coming tabling of a bill to amend Article 1( 2) of the Federal Constitution to restore the status of Sabah and Sarawak as equal partners with the peninsula.

It was reported on Friday that the Federal Cabinet had agreed to table the proposal to amend Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution to restore Sabah and Sarawak’s status as equal partners under one nation, at the upcoming parliamentary session.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong was quoted as saying the Cabinet had agreed on Wednesday to table the amendment to Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution.

The next parliament sitting is scheduled to start on March 11 (today). The amendment would require a two-thirds majority in the Lower House ( Dewan Rakyat).

At the moment, there are 135 Pakatan Harapan MPs which means the government needs at least 13 more MPs to pass the amendment.

On politicians who jump parties, Masing said the State Legislative Assembly ( DUN) had actually passed a law preventing party jumping before but it was rendered null and void because of the freedom of association that is stipulated in the Federal Constitution.

“Whether the political frogs are allowed to take their seats with them is an internal matter in the administration of the coalition.

“DUN Sarawak passed years ago the law preventing political frogs from jumping, but it was rendered null and void because of freedom of association by the Federal Constitution. Please note,” he said.

The issue of jumping ship cropped up after Sri Aman MP Datuk Masir Kujat quit PRS to join Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) last Friday.