KOTA KINABALU, 27th Sept– Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim promises to increase parliamentary seats in Sabah and Sarawak and claims Pakatan Harapan can still be Sabah’s “kingmaker.” But Sabahans and Sarawakians know: our rights are not bargaining chips, and the rakyat—not Peninsular coalitions—is the real king.
Seats Without Guaranteed Share
More seats mean nothing if our share stays frozen at 25 percent while Malaya can expand its own. MA63’s spirit guaranteed one-third of the Dewan Rakyat to East Malaysia so that no unilateral constitutional amendments could silence us. Unless that one-third ratio is written into the Constitution, Malaya can—and will—outvote us at will. Even Anwar’s own political secretary, Chan Ming Kai admitted a 35 percent East Malaysian share would make it “harder for them to win,” proving why promises stay vague.
Honour the 40 % Revenue Right
Representation is also about resources. The Federal Constitution already guarantees Sabah 40 percent of net federal tax revenue, yet Putrajaya drags its feet despite repeated legal victories. Without that rightful revenue, so-called “development allocations” are merely crumbs from our own table.
Reject Outside “Kingmakers”
Anwar’s boast that Pakatan can be Sabah’s “kingmaker” only shows how Peninsular parties view Sabah as a pawn in federal power games. But the rakyat is the king, and our future will never be decided in Kuala Lumpur backrooms.
As the state election approaches, reject Malaya-based parties that treat Sabah as a stepping-stone. Vote for strong, genuine local parties that will enshrine one-third representation, secure the 40 percent revenue, and defend the autonomy promised in 1963.
Stand with local voices. Reclaim the one-third voice. Fulfill MA63 now—or our future will be written without us.
Lawyer Yong Yit Jee
Supreme Council Member cum Vice Youth Chief
Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP)