No redelineation for any states for now, says EC

PETALING JAYA: No redelineation of constituencies in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah has been planned and the redelineation of constituencies in Sarawak is still being considered, says Election Commission (EC) chairman Tan Sri Abdul Ghani Salleh.

Abdul Ghani added in a press release on Monday (Jan 1) that a redelineation would only begin after the Dewan Rakyat Speaker and the Prime Minister have been informed by the EC and a notice is published as is required by law.

ALSO READ: No redelineation approval given

He also said there are principles to be adhered to under the law before a redelineation can be decided upon.

“A redelineation proposal can only begin when there is an announcement to the Dewan Rakyat Speaker and the Prime Minister... by the EC and a notice is published as provided under Section 4 of the 13th Schedule of the Federal Constitution," said Abdul Ghani.

“The EC has no plans for redelineation of the states of (the peninsula) and Sabah following the effective time period. As for Sarawak, EC is considering and weighing the suitability of doing so,” he added.

He said redelineation can only be implemented after an effective period of eight years from the completion of the last exercise; or when there is an amendment to the composition of the Dewan Rakyat or the state assemblies.

“The last redelineation for (states in the peninsula) was completed in 2018, whereas Sabah's and Sarawak’s were completed in 2015 and 2017 respectively.

“In accordance with Article 113 of the Federal Constitution, the EC is responsible for the review of the electoral demarcation of the states based on the principles and procedures under 13th Schedule, Parts I and II of the Constitution," he added.

Abdul Ghani said the principles of demarcation of electoral divisions include:

i) The propriety of making it easier for all voters to be given the opportunity to vote during elections and that electoral divisions do not cross state borders;

ii) Taking into account the matter of whether or not the administrative facilities in the electoral division can provide the necessary machinery for registration and voting;

iii) The number of voters being more or less the same for each electoral division in a state except when there are communication difficulties and other difficulties faced by electoral divisions in rural areas, at which point the area of electoral divisions should be considered; and

iv) Preserving local relations.

ALSO READ: Ramkarpal, EC at odds over Sarawak redelineation

Abdul Ghani also reiterated the EC's commitment to carrying out its responsibility in accordance with the law.

In the past few months, there has been much talk of possible redelineation in all states.

Deputy EC chairman Dr Azmi Shahrom said, however, no approvals for redelineation in any states in Malaysia have been made.

He added that any increase in the number of parliamentary seats in the Dewan Rakyat can only happen if there is an amendment to the Federal Constitution.