Commenting on the Special Council on the Malaysia Agreement’s support for the proposal to restore the two Borneo states to 35% of the total seats in the Dewan Rakyat, Peter John Jaban said such a move “goes against the principles of democracy” as the two states only make up 20% of the country’s population.

Sarawak has 31 seats and Sabah 25, making a total of 56 seats in the 222-member Dewan Rakyat. With a 35% quota, the two state would be entitled to 78 seats, which Peter warned would allow them a “disproportionate influence”.

“Malaysia should be striving for proportional representation of all interests and citizens. This is best achieved through a fundamental restructuring of the Senate,” said Peter, the founder of Saya Anak Sarawak (SAS).

“This should comprise an equal number of representatives from the three component territories and each (should) be given the power to veto any legislation which does not support that equal representation.

“Then, an elected Parliament can function for all Malaysians and get on with the proper administration of the nation, while the Senate has the power to control the excesses of any elected representative and protect the interests of the Federation as a whole.”

Peter said that while Sarawakians are grateful that Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg and its council are working towards the goal of a 35% quota for Sabah and Sarawak seats in the Dewan Rakyat,  the two states should not have “unreasonable power” over the day-to-day workings of Parliament such as the Budget.

“That would be perpetuating exactly the same problem, swapping one tyranny for another.”

In a Bernama report last Thursday, minister for Sabah and Sarawak affairs Maximus Ongkili said more engagement was required on the proposal, especially among serving Borneo legislators and legal practitioners.