GEORGE TOWN: Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin yesterday suggested that the Election Commission (EC) meet with state government representatives, local authorities and non-governmental organisations in preparing for the redelineation of state and parliamentary electoral boundaries.
He said stakeholders should not be limited to the objection process required by the 13th Schedule of the Federal Constitution.
“Until today, the whole process of redelineation is carried out like a black box operation with absolutely no transparency and discussion with the relevant stakeholders.
“The EC’s reluctance to meet and negotiate with official representatives of state governments has affected its credibility as an independent commission,” he told a news conference here.
Sim said the EC needs to ensure that the coming redelineation process is more participatory, accountable and transparent.
He said the state government was disappointed with the EC for refusing their request to hold talks before proposals are finalised for public exhibition.
He added that the state government has again requested for an appointment with the EC to discuss matters on the boundary redrawing exercise in January next year. — Bernama