The Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) in Betong plans to establish a committee that will handle and propose an increase in the number of parliamentary constituencies in Sarawak. This move is in accordance with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and will be presented to the Election Commission (EC) for finalization. Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, the Premier of Sarawak, stated that this application will not only focus on new parliamentary constituencies for Betong but also for the entire state. The opinions of the PBB leadership in Betong will be taken into account in order to create three new parliamentary constituencies. The application is also consistent with the Intergovernmental Committee (IGC) report, which emphasizes the importance of Sabah and Sarawak’s representation in the Dewan Rakyat.
During the PBB Special Convention for Betong Zone, nine resolutions were presented by PBB vice-president Datuk Julaihi Narawi, one of which was to increase the number of parliamentary constituencies in Sarawak. This proposal aims to maintain a balance and allow Sarawak and Sabah to have one-third representation in the Dewan Rakyat. The resolution recommends the addition of at least 12 new parliamentary constituencies in the state. Currently, the Peninsular Malaysia holds 75% (166 seats) of the total 222 seats in Parliament, while Sarawak (31 seats) and Sabah (25 seats) hold the remaining 25%.
– Bernama
Credit: The Star : News Feed
