Sabah and Sarawak may hold 57 parliamentary seats together, but one political analyst says that number is still not enough to shape federal lawmaking on its own. [image: 1785038785726-borneo_bloc_jayum.jpeg] Photo: The Borneo Post KUCHING, July 26: Political analyst Datuk Prof Dr Jayum Jawan has poured cold water on the idea that a proposed Borneo Bloc can strongly influence Parliament just by combining Sabah and Sarawak seats. He said the two states hold 57 out of 222 Dewan Rakyat seats, or about 26 per cent of the House. That is still far below the 125 seats held by Peninsular Malaysia. Why the number matters Jayum said Sabah and Sarawak are equal partners in the formation of Malaysia, but their current seat count cannot stop a law from passing if MPs from the peninsula vote together. His comments came after Borneo Dayak Forum International president Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan proposed a Sabah-Sarawak parliamentary alliance to push for constitutional rights under MA63. Jeffrey said a united front would give both states a stronger voice, especially as Sarawak has made progress on oil and gas rights through political unity under GPS. Still a bigger conversation Jayum also acknowledged that the call for greater autonomy under MA63 has gained momentum because federal politics no longer revolves around one dominant party. So the debate is not over. But his point is simple: unity helps, numbers still matter. Source: The Borneo Post Hot Score: 27/30 What do you think?

[image: 1784369105039-sarawak-99-seats.jpeg] Sarawak's plan to raise its State Assembly from 82 to 99 elected seats is still waiting for federal approval. Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the proposal has been stalled at Parliament level, one year after the Sarawak Legislative Assembly passed the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2025. He said the extra seats were meant to give Sarawak's many communities stronger representation in the State Assembly. What is pending The State Assembly passed the Bill on July 7, 2025. But the increase cannot take effect until the federal side gives approval. For now, the number remains 82 elected members. Abdul Karim said he believes the delay is linked to politics in Parliament, and suggested there may be concerns that more State seats could later lead to a push for more parliamentary seats for Sarawak. Location: Sarawak Details: Proposed DUS expansion from 82 to 99 seats remains pending federal approval Source: DayakDaily What do you think?