Special panel needed on proposal to increase Sabah, Sarawak MPs, says minister

KOTA KINABALU, 27 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

KOTA KINABALU — Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Sabah and Sarawak Affairs Mustapha Sakmud has called for the establishment of a special committee to rigorously study the proposal to increase the number of parliamentary seats for Sabah and Sarawak.

The primary objective of this new panel is to determine a clear timeline for the implementation of the increased representation, a move that has been a central point of political discussion in the eastern states.

The proposal to expand parliamentary representation in Borneo is not a new concept but has gained significant momentum following a declaration by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on September 11. On that date, the Prime Minister stated that the government had agreed to increase the proportion of parliamentary representation for Sabah and Sarawak from the current level.

This decision was explicitly framed as being in line with the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963, which underpins the constitutional and political relationship between the peninsula and the two Borneo states. The current move to formalize the study process marks a transition from political intent to technical planning.

Mustapha Sakmud emphasized that the composition of the special committee must be inclusive and technically to ensure the proposal is feasible and legally sound. He specified that the panel should comprise representatives from the Election Commission (EC), the legal affairs division, and the Sabah and Sarawak affairs division of the Prime Minister's Department. Crucially, he noted that the state governments of Sabah and Sarawak must also be included in this body.

This multi-agency approach is designed to address the complex legal, administrative, and political implications of altering the composition of the Dewan Rakyat.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Mustapha confirmed that the Sabah and Sarawak affairs division had already initiated discussions with the Election Commission regarding the direction and implementation mechanism for the proposal. These early-stage talks have focused on identifying the specific methods and studies required to facilitate an increase in the number of Members of Parliament (MPs) from the two states.

The minister indicated that while the political will is present, the technical groundwork is still in its nascent phase, requiring careful coordination between federal agencies and state authorities.

A key challenge highlighted by the minister is the structural balance of the federal parliament. Mustapha noted that following a meeting with the Election Commission, the EC informed the ministry that it has specific methods in place for such calculations. However, he stressed that a detailed study is required because any increase in parliamentary seats in Borneo must take into account the corresponding increase in seats in the peninsula.

This interdependence means that the proposal cannot be viewed in isolation; it requires a holistic review of the nation’s electoral map to maintain proportional representation and political stability across the entire federation.

The Election Commission’s involvement is critical as it holds the technical expertise on constituency delimitation and electoral calculations. By engaging the EC at this early stage, the government aims to ensure that the proposed changes are technically viable and compliant with existing electoral laws. The minister’s comments suggest that the process will involve a thorough analysis of demographic data, historical representation, and the legal framework governing parliamentary seats.

This rigorous approach is intended to preempt potential legal challenges or political disputes that could arise from an ad hoc increase in seats.

The establishment of this special committee reflects the government’s commitment to addressing long-standing grievances regarding under-representation in Sabah and Sarawak. For decades, politicians from the Borneo states have argued that their representation in the federal parliament does not adequately reflect their population size and economic contribution.

The reference to the MA63 shows the constitutional basis for these demands, positioning the increase in seats as a fulfillment of the original terms of Malaysia’s formation rather than a mere political concession.

Mustapha Sakmud’s remarks were made after he launched a book at the Sabah International Convention Centre, a venue that has frequently hosted high-level political and economic events in the state. The choice of venue and the timing of the announcement, following the Prime Minister’s September 11 declaration, signal a coordinated effort to advance the agenda.

The minister’s direct quotes to reporters highlight the government’s desire for transparency and a structured process, moving away from vague promises toward concrete administrative steps.

The inclusion of the legal affairs division in the proposed committee is particularly significant, as any change to the number of parliamentary seats may require amendments to the Federal Constitution or specific enabling legislation. The legal team will need to assess the procedural requirements for such changes, including the necessary parliamentary votes and potential judicial interpretations.

This legal scrutiny is essential to ensure that the implementation is beyond reproach and withstands scrutiny from opposition parties and legal experts.

The state governments of Sabah and Sarawak will play a role in the committee’s deliberations. As the primary stakeholders, their input will be in defining the scope of the study and the desired outcomes. The collaboration between the federal ministry and the state administrations aims to ensure that the final proposal reflects the specific needs and aspirations of the Borneo states.

This cooperative model is intended to foster a sense of shared ownership over the process, reducing the likelihood of political friction during the implementation phase.

The timeline for the study and subsequent implementation remains to be determined by the special committee. Mustapha stated that the panel’s work would result in a clear timeline for increasing the number of parliamentary seats. This timeline will likely take into account the legislative calendar, the need for public consultation, and the technical requirements for redrawing electoral boundaries.

The government’s emphasis on a clear timeline suggests an intention to provide certainty to voters and political parties regarding when these changes might take effect.

The proposal to increase parliamentary seats in Sabah and Sarawak has broader implications for the balance of power in the federal government. An increase in the number of MPs from the Borneo states could shift the dynamics of the Dewan Rakyat, potentially affecting the composition of the ruling coalition and the opposition.

This political recalibration is a significant factor in the government’s decision to proceed with the proposal, as it seeks to strengthen national unity and address regional disparities.

The Election Commission’s role in this process extends beyond technical calculations. As the custodian of the electoral process, the EC’s endorsement of the methodology will be for the legitimacy of the changes. The commission’s specific methods, as mentioned by Mustapha, likely involve complex demographic and geographic analyses to ensure that the new seats are allocated fairly and effectively. This technical rigor is essential to maintain public confidence in the electoral system.

The minister’s comments also highlight the ongoing dialogue between the federal government and the Borneo states on issues related to the MA63. The implementation action council serves as the primary forum for addressing these matters, and the establishment of a special committee under its technical sub-committee demonstrates the institutionalization of this dialogue. This structured approach is intended to ensure that the process is transparent, accountable, and inclusive of all relevant stakeholders.

The proposal to increase parliamentary representation in Sabah and Sarawak is a significant development in Malaysian politics, reflecting the government’s commitment to addressing historical imbalances. The establishment of a special committee to study the proposal marks a step in translating political intent into actionable policy.

As the committee begins its work, the focus will be on developing a and legally sound framework for the increase in seats, taking into account the needs of both the Borneo states and the peninsula.

The involvement of the Election Commission, legal affairs division, and state governments in the special committee ensures that all aspects of the proposal are thoroughly examined. This multi-disciplinary approach is designed to address the technical, legal, and political challenges associated with changing the composition of the federal parliament. The minister’s emphasis on a clear timeline underscores the government’s desire to provide certainty and move forward with the implementation of the proposal.

The proposal to increase the number of MPs from Sabah and Sarawak is in line with the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963, as stated by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. This constitutional basis provides a strong foundation for the proposal, framing it as a fulfillment of the original terms of Malaysia’s formation. The government’s decision to proceed with the study reflects its commitment to addressing the concerns of the Borneo states and strengthening national unity.

The special committee’s work will be critical in determining the feasibility and implementation of the proposal. By engaging the Election Commission and other key agencies at an early stage, the government aims to ensure that the process is technically sound and legally compliant. The inclusion of the state governments in the committee ensures that the perspectives of the Borneo states are fully represented in the deliberations.

The establishment of this special committee is a significant step toward addressing the issue of under-representation in Sabah and Sarawak. The minister’s comments highlight the government’s commitment to a structured and transparent process, moving from political declaration to technical planning. As the committee begins its work, the focus will be on developing a clear timeline and a framework for the increase in parliamentary seats.

The proposal to increase parliamentary representation in Sabah and Sarawak has the potential to reshape the political landscape of Malaysia. By addressing the concerns of the Borneo states, the government aims to strengthen national unity and ensure that all regions are fairly represented in the federal parliament.

The establishment of a special committee to study the proposal marks a step in this process, ensuring that the changes are implemented in a fair, transparent, and legally sound manner.

The minister’s remarks at the Sabah International Convention Centre underscore the importance of the proposal and the government’s commitment to its implementation. The involvement of key agencies and state governments in the special committee ensures that all aspects of the proposal are thoroughly examined. The focus on a clear timeline and a framework reflects the government’s desire to provide certainty and move forward with the implementation of the proposal.

The proposal to increase the number of MPs from Sabah and Sarawak is a significant development in Malaysian politics, reflecting the government’s commitment to addressing historical imbalances. The establishment of a special committee to study the proposal marks a step in translating political intent into actionable policy.

As the committee begins its work, the focus will be on developing a and legally sound framework for the increase in seats, taking into account the needs of both the Borneo states and the peninsula.

Related: Prime Minister's Department · Mustapha Sakmud · Kota Kinabalu