Redelineation modelled after Westminster system, says Premier

KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the redelineation process in the Sarawak is still modelled after the Westminster parliamentary system.

He said the ‘one person, one vote’ system will not be implemented in the state.

“If the system is being used, then rural areas with a low population, they got no representation.

“There are two ways (for redelineation) and we are based on the Westminster System,” he told a press conference after a walkabout at Ibu Pertiwi Square today (Jan 1).

Meanwhile, he said Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) had established a committee for the redelineation process and it is still under study.

“We only make recommendations because the final decision lies with the Election Commission (EC),” he added.

Earlier, it was reported that EC is currently considering and reviewing the feasibility for a redelineation exercise in Sarawak.

EC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Ghani Salleh said a redelineation exercise can be carried out after eight years have passed from the date of completion of the previous redelineation, or when there is an amendment to the composition of the number of members of the Dewan Rakyat or State Legislative Assembly (DUN).

The latest redelineation exercise for Peninsular Malaysia was in 2018 whereas for Sarawak and Sabah, it was carried out in 2015 and 2017 respectively.

Abdul Ghani also said that a redelineation exercise will only be carried out when there is notification to the Dewan Rakyat Speaker and the Prime Minister by the EC and a notice is published as provided under Part II, Section 4, Thirteenth Schedule of the Federal Constitution.

“The EC does not plan to carry out a redelineation exercise for Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah following the expiry of the period that is still in force.

“Meanwhile for Sarawak, the EC is considering and examining the feasibility of carrying out the exercise,” he said in a statement today.

On Oct 8, Abang Johari said the state government will conduct a feasibility study on increasing parliamentary seats in the state before bringing the matter up to EC for approval.

Prior to that, delegates at PBB Special Convention for Betong Zone passed a resolution, proposing that the number of parliamentary seats in Sarawak be increased by 12, in line with the quest for one-third representation for Sabah and Sarawak in the Dewan Rakyat.