Reaction: One of the most consequential Malaysian political stories this month has received less drama than the arguments over GE16, but its long-term impact could be much larger. The Cabinet has agreed in principle to increase Sabah and Sarawak's share of seats in the Dewan Rakyat, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim saying the change should increase not merely the number of Borneo seats but their proportion of parliamentary representation.
This distinction is crucial. Adding several seats to Sabah and Sarawak while simultaneously adding many more in Peninsular Malaysia could leave their relative influence almost unchanged. The current discussion is therefore tied to the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and the historical balance established when the federation was formed.
At present, Sabah and Sarawak together hold 56 of the Dewan Rakyat's 222 seats. Historical discussions often return to the original arrangement in which Malaya did not by itself hold the two-thirds parliamentary majority needed for major constitutional amendments when Malaysia was formed with Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore. Singapore's departure and subsequent electoral changes altered that balance.
Why representation matters
Parliamentary seats are not just numbers on an election map. They determine how strongly regions are represented in legislation, constitutional amendments, confidence votes and coalition formation. Recent Malaysian elections have already shown the strategic importance of parties from Sabah and Sarawak. Increasing their representation would make that role even more significant.
Supporters see a larger Borneo share as recognition of Malaysia's federal character and a practical step in implementing the spirit of MA63. Critics and negotiators will inevitably ask difficult questions: How many seats should be added? What population and geographic criteria should apply? Should Peninsular Malaysia also receive new seats? How would boundaries be redrawn? And can the necessary legal process be completed before GE16?
The government says the Election Commission has been asked to begin discussing the mechanism. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said this week that constitutional amendments and a formal process are necessary before redelineation can proceed, while the government wants the process expedited.
My reaction is strongly in favour of treating this as a constitutional design question rather than an election tactic. Seat redistribution should not be engineered around which coalition expects to benefit in the next contest. The principles should be transparent enough that Malaysians could accept the system even if their preferred party loses under it.
Population and geography pull in different directions
Electoral representation is always a balance. Constituencies should respect the principle that votes carry broadly comparable weight, but Malaysia's geography creates genuine challenges. Huge rural constituencies in Sabah and Sarawak can be far more difficult to serve than compact urban seats. Infrastructure, travel time and community access therefore matter alongside population.
A durable reform would explain how these considerations are weighted rather than simply announcing a target number. Public consultation would also be valuable because changing parliamentary representation affects every voter and potentially the balance of constitutional power.
My takeaway
This may become one of Anwar's most important federal reforms if it is implemented responsibly. For decades, MA63 has often entered national conversation as a promise, grievance or negotiating slogan. A meaningful change in parliamentary representation would be a structural reform that outlasts a single administration.
But the details will determine whether it strengthens the federation or creates new arguments about malapportionment and partisan advantage. Malaysia should move deliberately, publish the rationale and ensure the process commands broad support in Sabah, Sarawak and the peninsula. GE16 is politically urgent, but constitutional architecture should be built for decades, not one election.
Sources: https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/09/11/sabah-sarawak-to-get-bigger-share-of-parliament-seats-anwar-says-as-ma63-push-moves-ahead/234813 ; https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/09/11/more-parliamentary-seats-for-sabah-sarawak-step-towards-restoring-constitutional-balance-says-deputy-minister/ ; https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/09/16/federal-govt-set-on-giving-sabah-swak-more-seats
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