KOTA KINABALU: Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri (ANAK NEGERI) has warmly welcomed the federal government’s in-principle agreement to a constitutional amendment aimed at increasing the proportion of parliamentary representation for Sabah and Sarawak, ensuring their share of seats in the Dewan Rakyat rises above current levels to significantly strengthen their legislative voice.
Commenting on the outcomes of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63) meeting held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on Friday, Parti ANAK NEGERI President Datuk Henrynus Amin noted that the long-standing demand to increase East Malaysian parliamentary seats represents a major achievement for the state leadership.
The high-level meeting—co-hosted by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor alongside Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and attended by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg—yielded several key developments for both Borneo states.
Henrynus specifically credited Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor for strongly pressing for a quick resolution regarding Sabah’s constitutional right to its 40% net revenue entitlement, including the push for the 40% revenue claim and the expedited payment of the RM1.5 billion interim payment.
Hajiji’s persistent efforts have kept the pressure on Putrajaya to address this core financial demand.
Additionally, ANAK NEGERI expressed satisfaction with the federal government’s agreement to advance the Borneonisation policy.
The decision to expedite the second phase of the Borneonisation of the Federal Public Service in Sabah and Sarawak—accelerating the creation of posts and appointing locals to key positions—is viewed as a highly positive step forward.
A core highlight of yesterday’s proceedings was the joint public stance adopted by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Chief Minister Hajiji Noor, and Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The leaders reinforced the unified narrative that the Malaysia Agreement 1963 is not merely a regional political matter but a fundamental national commitment rooted in the foundational treaty signed by leaders from Sabah, Sarawak, and the Federation of Malaya.
However, Henrynus reminded the Sabah Chief Minister that the critical issue of undocumented non-citizens, illegal immigrants, and stateless persons must not be ignored. He cautioned that these unresolved issues remain political time bombs that risk flaring up repeatedly unless decisively addressed.
ANAK NEGERI reiterates its full support for these ongoing federal-state engagements and looks forward to the swift legislative and administrative execution of these vital commitments.
