A delegate debating at the 39th Parti Bersatu Sabah Annual Delegates Conference on Tuesday (Oct 28).
KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) unanimously passed three motions during its 39th annual delegates conference on Tuesday.
The first motion to be passed advocated for the immediate implementation of one-third of parliamentary seats for Sabah and Sarawak.
This proposal aims to rectify historical imbalances in parliamentary representation, reaffirming the rights of Sabah and Sarawak within the Malaysian political framework.
It aligns with PBS's stance on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and references a briefing by party president Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili, who stressed the necessity for increased parliamentary representation based on historical agreements.
PBS justified the motion based on recommendations from the Cobbold Commission and the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC), which highlighted the need to protect the interests of Sabah and Sarawak in the Malaysian Constitution, advocating for fair representation based on population, land area, and potential.
At the formation of Malaysia in 1963, Sabah and Sarawak held 55 out of 159 parliamentary seats (35%).
However, over the years, their representation has declined to below one-third each due to various changes, including Singapore's withdrawal and new seat allocations.
Despite Sabah and Sarawak accounting for 60% of Malaysia's total land area, they hold significantly fewer parliamentary seats compared to Peninsular Malaysia, underscoring the need for a reassessment of seat distribution to ensure equitable representation.
Amendments to Articles 1(2) and 160(2) of the Federal Constitution in December 2021 further strengthen the case for restoring the one-third seat allocation, reinforcing adherence to historical agreements.
In addition to this motion, PBS also passed two others - a firm stance on the non-negotiable rights over the Continental Shelf, and the rejection of the Territorial Sea Act 2021 as ultra vires, and one proposing the establishment of the Unit for Other Religious Affairs (Unifor) within the Malaysian government.
PBS asserts that Sabah and Sarawak's rights over the continental shelf are non-negotiable sovereign rights crucial to their economic future.
They contend that the Territorial Sea Act 2012, which alters boundaries and reduces Sabah’s jurisdiction compared to rights recognised in the 1954 Order in Council, must be deemed invalid.
PBS urges the Federal Government to acknowledge and respect Sabah and Sarawak’s territorial rights as enshrined in the Federal Constitution and MA63, which uphold the historic claims of both states concerning territorial waters and maritime boundaries.
Regarding Unifor, PBS explained that the unit will focus on protecting and promoting religious equality and supporting non-Islamic communities while fostering harmony.
This initiative represents a step toward a more united Sabah that values and supports its diverse communities.
PBS has a long-standing commitment to equality and religious freedom, advocating for the rights of all individuals regardless of their background.
Key focus areas for Unifor include allocating funds for the construction and maintenance of non-Islamic places of worship, assisting non-Islamic communities in securing land for religious purposes, serving as a platform for interfaith dialogue and programs to promote religious harmony, and acting as a representative unit for non-Islamic communities to ensure their concerns are included in public policies.
The proposal urges the Sabah government to recognise the significance of Unifor in protecting the rights and welfare of all residents, reinforcing Sabah’s legacy as an inclusive and united region.
