Proham calls upon the Elections Commission (EC) to explain the process used to define the boundaries of electoral constituencies.
Proham notes with concern the overwhelming evidence of
gerrymandering and malapportionment during GE13.
On 15 May 2014, Proham organized a Roundtable
Discussion (RTD) to discuss the delineation of electoral constituencies. The
RTD was held at the Global Movement of Moderates Foundation (GMMF). The RTD was
moderated by Mr Rama Ramanthan and Datuk Kuthubul Zaman (Proham Chairman) gave
the welcome address.
At the RTD, Dr Wong Chin Huat and Mr Thomas Fann of Bersih
2.0’s Delineation Action and Research Team (DART) presented strong evidence of
both gerrymandering and malappropriation displayed in the present sizes and
shapes of electoral constituencies in West and East Malaysia.
The DART team displayed a high level of understanding
of the “Provisions Relating to Delimitation of Constituencies” contained in the
Thirteenth Schedule of the Federal Constitution.
The DART team showed how they have taken the
constitutional provisions, Malaysian historical practices and insights gleaned
from the EC to develop a “Constitutional Compliance Checklist” which can be
used as a tool to evaluate whether the boundaries of any constituency show
signs of malapportionment or gerrymandering.
Malapportionment means giving some constituencies a greater voice in legislation
and policy-making than is warranted by their numbers. Malapportionment is evidenced
by the relative sizes of constituencies, e.g. e.g. 144,159 voters in Kapar have
one MP, while 37,318 voters in Sabak Bernam also have one MP. That’s one of
many examples of malapportionment.
Gerrymandering means taking account of how voters are likely to vote
when drawing the boundary of each constituency. Gerrymandering results from a
policy of creating politically like-minded groups of voters rather than the
constitutionally prescribed policy of recognizing communities who live together
due to natural-geographical boundaries. Gerrymandering results in odd-shaped
constituencies such as the present constituencies of Tebrau (Johor), Seputeh
(KL) and Alor Setar.
On Gerrymandering, Datuk Vaithilingam (Proham)
observed that the shape of Subang Jaya constituency is now like a snake, going
up to Sungei Buloh and that since 2008, citizens have become more alert to
constituency delineation.
The RTD learned that the EC has begun work to review
the boundaries of each constituency, but has not released any timeline
indicating when they expect to publish any proposed changes and solicit public
comment as required by the Federal Constitution. The EC is publicly funded to
ensure fair representation, yet appears to have taken no initiatives to engage
a willing public in its activities.
Conversely Bersih 2.0, which receives no public funds,
has, through DART, developed a process utilizing information gleaned from the EC,
Google Maps and spreadsheets to work on re-delineation of constituencies. DART
has developed and deployed a non-partisan training program to enable ordinary
Malaysians to develop and propose constituencies with natural boundaries. Within
the next month DART will be ready to display, in several states, maps of some
of the proposed re-delineated constituencies.
Those who have created and deployed DART are members
of the Wiki-generation, persons who believe in voluntarism for the common good,
especially through using computer technology collaboratively.
Proham is gladdened by the interest the public have
shown in DART. This indicates a keen sense of responsible citizenship amongst
Malaysians across ages, ethnicities and other associations. This is an
excellent indicator of inclusiveness and tolerance.
Proham is disappointed that there has been no formal
meeting between the EC and Bersih 2.0/DART to work collaboratively. This is of
course partly to be expected because of the delible ink and other fiascos for
which no one at the EC has taken responsibility.
Yet, Proham is eager for the common good and the will
of moderates to triumph.
Proham therefore urges the EC to share broadly the
processes and the constraints it will use to conduct the re-delineation
process. Proham urges the EC to begin a series of consultations with the
public.
Proham believes the adoption of a pro-active stance by
the EC will smoothen the acceptance of whatever decisions the EC will recommend
in the coming months. Early and frequent Public Consultations will strengthen
Public Confidence and National Unity.
Increasing the number of MP’s. The RTD was surprised to learn that previously
Parliament did not use criteria for cost (e.g. salary, perks, staffing, office)
and contribution (e.g. number of hours participating in debates in the House or
attending committee meetings) of Members of Parliament to determine the number
of constituencies prior to delineating their boundaries.
It appears Parliament, with the complicity of the EC,
put the cart before the horse, for it is effective representation which should
come first. The EC should explain why such a decision was made previously, and
say whether a similar decision will be made in the next re-delineation exercise.
Therefore Proham also calls upon the EC to explain the
logic behind that sequence of events, and whether the EC plans to do the same
in the future.
Proham reiterates its commitment to participate in the
process of ensuring fair and effective representation and willingness to
mediate between all parties.
Issued on behalf of Proham by:-
Datuk Kuthubul Zaman (Proham Chairman) and Tan Sri
Ramon Navaratnam (Proham Exco Member) June 1, 2014
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