Redelineation gazetted after king’s assent

PETALING JAYA: The Election Commission (EC) redelineation report was gazetted into law yesterday, just a day after it was passed in Parliament.

The Federal Government Gazette was published on the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) official website, with the document cited as the Federal Constitution (Delimitation of Constituencies) (States of Malaya) Order 2018.

It noted that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had given his consent and that the order came into effect yesterday.

The notice also said the King has ordered that the recommendations contained in the EC report dated March 6, shall have effect from the date of the coming into operation of the Order.

The document was signed by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Ali Hamsa.

The Dewan Rakyat passed the redelineation of electoral boundaries with a bloc-vote of 129 against 80 on Wednesday, the same day it was tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak, amid protests and backlash from the Opposition.

The motion was passed after 14 MPs from both sides debated for 10 minutes each on the EC report, that will affect 98 parliamentary seats.

The last time the electoral boundaries in the country were redrawn was in 2003.

The Federal Constitution, however, states that a review is necessary at least once every eight years. – by Amar Shah Mohsen