Mixed reaction to redelineation motion

Kuala Lumpur: The passing of the redelineation motion in the Dewan Rakyat saw mixed reaction from elected representatives.

Tan Sri Annuar Musa (BN-Ketereh) congratulated the Election Com­mission (EC) on a job well done.

“It is a testament to the hard work by the EC, which took almost two years,” he said.

Datuk Khoo Soo Seang (BN-Tebrau) said the motion was a victory for democracy.

The new electoral boundaries would affect all parties, he said, adding: “The Opposition cannot continue with its double standard mentality by crying foul when things don’t go its way.”

Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid (BN-Padang Terap) said the redelineation was needed.

“It can ensure that elected reps perform the best service for the rakyat,” he said.

Datuk Seri Irmohizam Ibrahim (BN-Kuala Selangor), one of those who debated the motion, said he was glad that it was passed.

He said the redelineation would make MPs and assemblymen more accessible to constituents.

“I believe they will be able to concentrate more on their constituents,” he said.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri S.K. Devamany called it an example of the country’s parliamentary democracy in action.

“You have 129 voting against 80 – that speaks volumes for democracy,” he said. “Of course, the Opposition will make a hue and cry.”

Opposition lawmakers expressed dismay over the redelineation, with some calling it an attempt to give Barisan Nasional the upper hand in the general election.

Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Gelang Patah) said the redelineation would negatively affect the Opposition’s performance in the polls unless there was a nationwide political tsunami.

The DAP stalwart then claimed that the Federal Constitution had been violated, as the embargo on the redelineation report was only lifted shortly before it was debated and voted on in the House.

“MPs should have enough time to discuss it with voters and get public feedback on the redelineation proposal,” Lim said at the Parliament lobby.

Anthony Loke (DAP-Seremban), who was also there, pointed out that Lim’s vote on the motion was not counted as he was given a six-month suspension.

Parliamentary Opposition leader Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (PKR-Permatang Pauh) said the motion was rushed through the current Parliament sitting to favour the ruling government.

“We protest not just because the EC has to be independent and neutral, but because the redelineation report is seen to favour the people in power,” she said.