SHAH ALAM, Jan 18 — Redelineation can ensure balanced voter numbers and allow elected representatives to cater to their constituents and ensure well-maintained public facilities.
Private sector employee Fiqrul Izzat Faidrul Iqmar, 24, said the process is important for vast areas like Rawang, which may not be given due attention, especially in its rural neighbourhoods.
He expressed hope that the issue is well studied by the parties responsible so it can be resolved before the election, to ensure the people receive the benefits.
“Redelineation is important, like for my area in Rawang which is quite large. When a problem arises, like damaged roads, the focus is only in high-density areas, while the more rural areas are less looked at.
“There needs to be smaller zones or balanced voter numbers in each state constituency so elected representatives can focus on helping and resolving various issues,” Fiqrul said.
Research officer Afzan Zainal, 45, opined that the people shouldn’t worry if the government undertakes a redelineation exercise.
He said this is because an elected representative’s duty would be easier and they would be able to perform their responsibilities more efficiently.
“If (a constituency) is too big, there may be areas that elected representatives miss out on or cannot visit. With redelineation, I hope facilities for the people are improved,” Afzan added.
Meanwhile, voters called on elected representatives to engage with their constituents via social media, instead of relying on doing so during events alone.
Civil servant Tharmendran Krishnan Kutty, 50, said social media use is wider and more effective, especially when obtaining the latest information on constituents’ problems.
He said these platforms are useful if a redelineation is done, so emerging issues in remote areas can be easily resolved.
“As a Selangorean, if the government plans to divide up the zones, it would be good as emerging issues can be resolved more easily, especially geopolitical and economic ones.
“With the redelineation, elected representatives can pay serious attention (to their constituents). If we look at it (now), it’s hard to meet them, but they can take advantage of social media to hear the people’s voices,” Tharmendran said.
Deliveryman Muhammad Akmal Mohd Yunus, 28, said it is time for redelineation so any issue in a certain area can be more quickly resolved.
“I live in Meru, and as everyone knows, this area frequently floods. These floods cause losses and roads are always damaged, but it takes a while to raise these issues.
“With the redelineation, (issues like these) can be immediately resolved. There are more benefits as elected representatives can give more focus to their responsibilities when their areas have fewer voters,” Akmal said.
The last redelineation exercise was done in 2018, and is due to be done again soon as the Federal Constitution dictates eight-year intervals.
According to the Election Commission (EC), a new study can only begin after the eight-year period ends, and by taking into account resident and housing census data, which is gathered every 10 years.
Transparency, inclusivity, and public trust in the EC are set to remain in focus as the possibility of the next redelineation effort looms.
Previously Selangor Umno chairman Datuk Megat Zulkarnain Omardin said the party won’t support any such exercise that could compromise the interests of Malay-majority areas in the state.
Such concerns arose following claims that some parties want to add non-Malay seats through redelineation efforts.
Megat emphasised that redelineation must be done comprehensively across all 22 of Selangor’s parliamentary seats, not just in certain areas.
