Perikatan MP urges for more non-Malay representation in Parliament

KUALA LUMPUR: An Opposition MP has suggested that Malaysia emulates Singapore’s group representation constituency (GRC) system to enhance the representation of minority ethnicities in Parliament.

Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (PN-Arau) said it was time for Malaysia to reform the electoral system, noting how the present one was determined in 1957, when the then Federal Constitution of Malaya came into force.

He also pointed out that bumiputras made up 70.1% of the Malaysian population followed by the Chinese (22.6%) and Indians (6.6%).

“I like the GRC system in Singapore as it allows Malays to be represented. We (also) want the minorities in Malaysia to have representatives.

“If we follow this system, the Indian community with a 6.6% population, will get 16 seats but look at the situation now.

“Bumiputras, including those from Sabah and Sarawak, will have 70 seats and the Chinese, 46 seats.

“This (GRC) is the best system. Please consider it,” he told the Dewan Rakyat when debating the 12th Malaysia Plan mid-term review on Thursday (Sept 14).

Shahidan also called on the Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) on Human Rights, Election and Institutional Reform chairman William Leong to consider his suggestion.

“The government and Election Commission should take another look and see how we can reform the electoral system, seeing how it began in 1957 with no changes since,” he said.

Separately, Shahidan questioned efforts to keep the public from handing memorandums to MPs in Parliament.

“What else can the people do? They want the right to let the government know how they feel.

“Don’t stop them. It’s a pity to see them (being prevented).

“Give them a chance to come in,” he said.

Denying the people such access would ignite more anger towards the government, he added.

“I don’t want the government to be hated by the people so I want to defend them,” he said in jest.

He added that a true unity government would be one without any Opposition bloc.

“But suddenly, they formed a government with an Opposition. They also never allocated any funds to the Opposition. This is haram,” he said.