S’gor local authorities file objections against EC’s proposal

SHAH ALAM: Five out of Selangor’s 12 local authorities have filed objections against the Election Commission’s proposed redelineation in their respective areas.

The five are the Petaling Jaya and Shah Alam city councils as well as Subang Jaya, Ampang Jaya and Kajang municipalities.

The other seven are expected to file their objections with the EC by today in time for the Oct 14 deadline for the public to submit their objections on the proposed redelineation.

The Selangor state government had issued a directive a few weeks ago to all local authorities to submit their objections.

Petaling Jaya councillor Derek Fernandez said the EC had not justified its basis for the proposed redelineation and methodology despite written requests.

“Such proposal substantially and negatively impacts the harmony, prosperity and unity of the residents of MBPJ (Petaling Jaya City Council) and the state of Selangor,” said Derek.

The councillor added that no consultation had been done before the proposals were published by the EC.

Meanwhile, the councils have confirmed their submission and expressed concerns over logistics and racial harmony should this exercise follow through.

Ampang Jaya Municipal Council president Abdul Hamid Abdul Hussain said the objections were submitted on Wednesday on behalf of 24 of its councillors.

Shah Alam mayor Datuk Ahmad Zaharin Mohd Saad said the changes would result in logistics inconvenience during the elections.

As the returning officer of Shah Alam, Ahmad Zaharin would have to monitor and check the halls and other polling stations, and with the redelineation – they would have to look into amenities run by the Klang Municipal Council (MPK), and risked stepping on their toes in the process.

“We cannot force MPK to renovate their halls and other amenities, since they will have to look at their budget and other issues. If we maintain the current status, then we will only need to look at Shah Alam’s amenities and I can easily do the necessary for our part,” he added.

Subang Jaya Municipal Council president Datuk Nor Hisham Dahlan, meanwhile, stressed on the possibility of racial harmony being affected by the proposed redelineation.

He said the racial segregation would be more apparent, a situation they hoped to avoid at all cost.