PETALING JAYA: Several MPs are calling for a long-overdue review of Malaysia’s parliamentary boundaries, warning that decades of population growth in urban constituencies have created huge imbalances in voter representation.
Pasir Gudang MP Hasan Karim said that since the last redelineation, which increased parliamentary seats in 2003-2004, the number of voters in many constituencies has grown significantly, raising concerns over equity and a heavier workload for MPs.
He added that some urban constituencies in Selangor, including Bangi, Damansara and Klang, now have electorate numbers exceeding 100,000, while others, particularly Johor, have fewer than 50,000 to 70,000 voters.
On responsibilities, Hasan shared his personal experience, saying MPs in larger constituencies face enormous workloads, from attending parent-teacher association meetings to overseeing healthcare and local services.
He pointed out that Johor has 25 parliamentary seats, while some East Coast states have fewer than 10.
“We have to look at the overall weightage and give priority to rural areas as well.
“Given Malaysia’s growth and the workload MPs face in large constituencies, the time is right to review boundaries. This is about ensuring MPs can serve their constituents effectively and uphold democratic principles,” he said.
Klang MP V. Ganabatirau, who represents one of the largest electorates, said Malaysia must return to the basic democratic principle of “one person, one vote, one value” to ensure fair representation and equitable resource allocation.
He said the growing disparity in electorate sizes between parliamentary constituencies has raised serious concerns about equality in the country’s electoral system.
“Take Bangi, which has more than 300,000 voters, and my constituency, which has over 200,000 voters. Compare these with Sabak Bernam or Sungai Besar, where the electorate is fewer than 100,000. How can this be considered fair or just in a democratic system when the value of a vote differs so drastically?” he asked.
He also highlighted the issue of constituency allocations, adding that MPs should receive similar development and community grants regardless of their electorate’s size.
Hulu Langat MP Mohd Sany Hamzan said he supports a comprehensive redelineation process, especially in Selangor.
“Hulu Langat’s population has already reached about 1.6 million people, roughly equivalent to the population of Pahang. If these areas can be divided, representation would be fairer and more manageable.”
“In my view, redelineation would make governance efficient. When a constituency becomes too large geographically and in terms of population, it becomes difficult to serve the people effectively.”
Sabak Bernam MP Kalam Salan, on the other hand, said there is no need for a redelineation of parliamentary seats. Instead, he urged the government to ensure fair allocation of resources for all MPs.
“Allocate funding according to the responsibilities of each constituency. Areas with more voters should receive more allocations, and vice versa,” he said.
However, he urged the EC to retain the categories of parliamentary constituencies as urban, suburban and rural.
