KUCHING, Sept. 29 -- Sarawak's push for more parliamentary seats is due to the state's geographical realities and not out of desire for more power, said Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.

The Minister of Women, Family and Community Development said while the population in Sarawak is smaller than in Peninsular Malaysia, mobility across its vast area justifies more representation.

"I know some people argue in terms of population, but if you talk about population, yes, we do not have as many people as in West Malaysia. But in Sarawak, in terms of mobility, the area is so huge.

"Therefore, it is a very justifiable request or claim from Sarawak and Sabah for us to have more parliamentary seats," she told The Borneo Post in an exclusive interview here...