Redrawing state constituencies can only be done after eight years, says minister

Malaysia's Cabinet has decided not to proceed with the redelineation of State Legislative Assembly constituencies (DUN), aiming to prevent the creation of excessively large or small electoral districts within states. This decision deviates from the typical eight-year cycle after which such boundary reviews can be conducted.

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The process (redelineation) has not started. Previously, after eight years, the redelineation process could be done. However, the attitude of the Prime Minister and the leadership in the Cabinet is the focus to ensure that there is no gap that is too large between DUNs in a state.

Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil stated that the Prime Minister and the Cabinet are focused on ensuring that no significant gaps emerge between constituencies within a single state. He confirmed that the redelineation process has not commenced, emphasizing the government's commitment to maintaining balanced representation.

Fahmi's remarks followed claims by Pas Secretary-General Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, who suggested that a Pakatan Harapan victory in the Negeri Sembilan state election could lead to a redelineation that benefits the coalition. Takiyuddin alleged that constituencies with large voter populations currently represented by Pakatan Harapan might be split into new areas.

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It is certain that we will not compromise on anything that seems to give the impression that (PH) is reducing the power of Malay Muslims.

Fahmi, who is also Pakatan Harapan's Director of Communications, criticized the opposition's campaign tactics, accusing them of attempting to stir up Malay-Islam sentiments. He asserted that the interests of Malays and Muslims are protected through existing provisions and the construction of new mosques in the state. He highlighted the significant number of new mosques built, high zakat collections, and increased imam allowances under the current administration, dismissing the opposition's claims as an unhealthy and baseless campaign to instill fear.

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This is an unhealthy campaign, trying to scare people because they have no factual basis to compete with the achievements and performance of Tok Min, which is recognized by the residents.