SARAWAK is not wavering in its demand for fair representation in Parliament, insisting that constituencies should not be divided according to population density alone, but also should be based on the size of the constituencies.
Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman (GPS-Tupong) said the Sarawak government’s demand for one-third of the parliamentary seats is not only based on historical and legal grounds but also has precedents in previous cases that clearly mentioned constitutional safeguards in the Cobbold Commission Report, the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report, and Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
He argues that this demand should not only be respected and understood but must be implemented by the federal government in good faith, without any hidden agendas or motives to deny Sarawak’s rights and privileges.
Fazzrudin referred to the legal reinforcement of safeguards outlined in the Cobbold Commission, IGC Report, and MA63, which have been upheld in various court decisions.
“Former Chief Justice Tun Zaki Azmi, in his ruling on the case of Datuk Tufail Bin Mahmud v Ting Check Sii (2009) in the Federal Court, emphasised and I quote: ‘Safeguards and assurances provided to Sarawak were critical and pivotal to secure its participation in the formation of Malaysia’.
“Judge David Wong also stated, ‘These safeguards are conditions precedent for the peoples of North Borneo and Sarawak in the formation of Malaysia’.
“In the case of Robert Linggi v Malaysia government, the judge reiterated the decision in the Datuk Tufail Bin Mahmud case and further stated, and I quote: ‘It is clear that the apex court in Malaysia has treated the Malaysia agreement and the recommendations of the IGC Report as a binding agreement which should not be contravened without the consent of the two states’.
“I recommend to the EC that big constituencies such as Baram and Belaga should be re-evaluated, as it is unfair to their people because of sheer size of these constituencies,” he said.
The Chief Political Secretary to the Premier said this during his debate supporting the Supply Bill (2025) at the August House today (Nov 14).
On the same note, Fazzrudin lamented that development in Sarawak is not on par with other states, despite a portion of the state’s revenue being channelled to the federal government.
Noting that 90 per cent of the gas revenue previously under Petronas’ gas aggregator was used in Malaya, he questioned the fairness for Sarawak on the matter.
He said that if the distribution was done properly, Sarawak would not obviously appear to be lagging behind.
“Malaysia was founded on the concept of shared prosperity, but how can we prosper if the resources we generate are misused and not distributed equitably?
“If it were distributed fairly, we would not have to struggle so much to develop Sarawak to the level we have achieved.
“We must ensure that Sarawak’s rights remain protected so that we can enjoy the wealth we possess,” he added.
Additionally, Fazzrudin emphasised that Sarawak is not the federal government, and it is not the state’s responsibility to assist other states, particularly in light of suggestions that Sarawak should help other states in Malaysia given its higher income.
“Charity starts at home,” he said, stating that the state government’s responsibility is to develop Sarawak and protect the welfare of its people.
“We also need the federal government to fulfil their responsibilities in developing Sarawak in areas outlined under the Federal List,” he said.
