Claims that redistricting only benefits DAP, PH untrue - Aziz Bari

SHAH ALAM - Claims that the redistricting of parliamentary constituencies with a high number of voters will solely benefit DAP (Democratic Action Party) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) are untrue.

Perak DAP Deputy Chairman Dr Abdul Aziz Bari said the process was considered crucial to align the Election Commission (EC) system with international standards.

"The redistricting of electoral areas has specific formulas and if these are adhered to (by the EC), I do not see any issue.

"But those who have been playing with issues of religion, race and royal institutions (3R) are starting to worry (about the redistricting process).

"(Considering that) the majority of voters in Malaysia are Malay and Muslim, what are the opposition parties afraid of?

"So far, I think those who make noises (disagree) are afraid of losing," he said.

Aziz, who is also a constitutional expert, added that generally, the implementation of redistricting electoral areas was to create fair and democratic elections.

For example, he said the Constitutional (Amendments) Bill 2019 to lower the voting age, automatic voter registration, and lower the age of election candidates to 18, passed in the Dewan Rakyat in 2019, was an idea brought by PH.

"Even though the implementation of the 'Undi 18' (vote at 18) may disadvantage PH itself, we accepted it because the idea was an initiative to democratise our election system," he said.