COMMENT | The demand for Sabah and Sarawak to hold 35 percent of Malaysia’s parliamentary seats is not merely a political proposition; it is a clarion call for justice, rooted in the historical political understanding that formed Malaysia and fuelled by decades of systemic marginalisation.

The Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which formalised the federation of Malaysia, promised Sabah and Sarawak equal partnership with Malaya, with Sabah and Sarawak as “founders” and not mere states in the new federation.

Yet, for much of the federation’s history, this promise has been betrayed, with Sabah and Sarawak treated as little more than resource colonies for Malaya’s benefit.

The refusal of Malayan-based NGOs to support this 35 percent seat allocation reveals...