TUARAN: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) information chief Datuk Johnny Mositun’s call to the Election Commission (EC) to consider the creation of more parliamentary and state seats is understandable as Sabah is a big state geographically.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said there were many requests for seats in Sabah recently.
“We agree on that (the proposal of creating more parliamentary and state seats) but we must follow the established procedure.
“We will look into it. But, it is most important that we will work hard to serve the people well,” he said at the Hari Raya open house hosted by Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor here yesterday.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan who also agreed with Musa for additional seats in Sabah, said it is not easy to look after a huge constutuency by only one member of parliament.
Additional seats, according to Pairin, will help leaders to focus on development better.
“This popular request should be considered by the EC in the true context, not just for the ministry’s post nor for the sake of the seats but the needs of the people should be taken into account.
“As for me, the proposal for additional seats needs time to be looked into. The EC should have proper research before making any decision,” he said.
Pairin added the request for more seats in Sabah had been raised many times in the past, including the restoration of the Langkon constituency, but PBS approached it in a good way by requesting without any political emotion.
The former chief minister said he would raise the matter if there is a meeting among Barisan Nasional leaders about the issue.
About 5,000 people attended the open house, including Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Yahya Hussin and Datuk Yee Moh Chai as well as other cabinet ministers.