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Electoral reform must ensure voting is based on residency, not birthplace – Wan Saiful | Scoop
Bersatu supreme council member Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan believes the power to elect representatives should rest with those directly affected by the choices made at the ballot box. - Scoop file pic, March 26, 2025
Opinion/Analysis

Electoral reform must ensure voting is based on residency, not birthplace – Wan Saiful

It is unfair for 'outsiders' to vote in constituencies where they have no stake, says Bersatu leader

Scoop Reporters
Updated
9:00 PM MYT

 

THE proposal by YB Dr Abdul Halim Tamuri that individuals residing in Selangor should vote in the state deserves serious consideration from all parties.

In fact, I believe the fundamental principle of this suggestion has broader applications—individuals should vote only in the constituencies where they reside.

During my tenure as a member of the Electoral Reform Committee, which was established by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and chaired by Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman, this topic was raised. As I recall, we put forward several ideas, all of which revolved around the principle of voting based on one’s place of residence.

To me, if a person votes in a constituency where they no longer reside—such as their birthplace, which they left years ago—it contradicts a fundamental democratic principle.

The power to elect representatives should rest with those who will be directly affected by the outcome, not with individuals who will not experience the consequences of their choices.

It is unfair for someone who only returns to their hometown for a week or two each year to determine the representative who will hold office there for five years. This effectively strips local residents of their right to choose their own representative.

Similarly, it is inappropriate for individuals who have lived in a particular constituency for years to deliberately cast their votes elsewhere. This suggests a disregard for local governance and a failure to take responsibility for their own community.

Malaysia’s democratic system must uphold the principle of local representation. This is an essential aspect of institutional reform.

I urge all parties to set aside narrow political interests, as demonstrated by certain PH politicians in this matter.

This issue is far more significant than PH’s pursuit of power. Their outright rejection of this proposal indicates a lack of understanding of the true value of local representation.

Some argue that PH wants Malay voters to move out of certain areas and vote elsewhere, as this would work to their advantage.

However, I believe this matter is unrelated to race or religion. If Chinese or Indian voters reside in a particular locality, they should also vote there, ensuring an inclusive electoral process.

It is unreasonable for PH to reject a sound proposal simply out of fear of losing elections. – March 26, 2025

Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan is a Bersatu Supreme Council Member, MP for Tasek Gelugor, and Bersatu Bangi Division Chief.

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