Sabah Calls for More Parliamentary Seats at MA63 Implementation Council Meeting

12 September 2025

KUCHING: Sabah raised several key issues, including the need for an increase in parliamentary seats for the state, during the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim here today.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said the meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere, paving the way for further discussions on matters of importance to Sabah.

He emphasised that the state was seeking additional parliamentary representation in line with the spirit of MA63, to further safeguard the rights and interests of Sabah and its people.

“In principle, the Prime Minister agrees, but this requires thorough discussion at the technical level as it involves amending the Federal Constitution. This is why strong State–Federal relations are crucial,” Hajiji told reporters after the meeting at the Satria Pertiwi Complex.

Another matter raised was Sabah’s call for tourism to be listed in the concurrent list, which would also be referred to the technical committee for detailed deliberation.

The Sabah delegation included Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam and Datuk Shahelmey Yahya; Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun; Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Ariffin Arif; Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew; Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib; and State Secretary Datuk Seri Panglima Sr Safar Untong.

Meanwhile, Hajiji welcomed the launch of the RM7.6 billion Sabah–Sarawak Link Road Phase 2 (SSLR 2) earlier today, describing it as a major milestone in strengthening connectivity between Malaysia’s two largest states.

He said the project would not only improve seamless travel between Sabah and Sarawak but also stimulate economic growth in trade and tourism.

The Sarawak delegation was led by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Abang Haji Openg.