Democratic practicality holds sway on re-delineation debate

Borneo Post

3 days ago

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg (front, left) on his way to DUN chambers for the special sitting, tabling the Bill on re-delineation. — Photo from the Office of Premier of Sarawak
TWO crucial concepts came to mind as I set about to address with some depth the issue of re-delineation.
They are 'democratic practicality' and 'democratic social conscience' – the latter is chosen to make the relevant but challenging-sounding word 'conscientisation' simpler.
Both concepts, which are essentially underpinned by people-centricity, interlock and act as the primary lens through which understanding, clarity and a renewed sense of obligation to duty is brought to the fore.
Notwithstanding, the goal of re-delineation is straightforwardly basic, yet the dynamics are as intricate and fascinating.
More intriguing and perplexing is when a lawmaker chooses to view and contest it purely from the political perspective.
The latter has been made to appear so by critics who choose to sift the re-delineation exercise through their own perception of what they perceive as political and power-generating.
Under-representation
The re-delineation of Sarawak state electoral constituencies and the expansion of parliamentary constituencies are matters of considerable concern to Sarawak, as they are a pivotal alteration to the state's political stakes and national voice.
The Bill on the re-delineation exercise, which was tabled and passed at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) early this week, sought to address the age-old complaint of under-representation in many constituencies across the state.
The ball is now in the court of the Election Commission (EC) to pursue and act judiciously for parliamentary endorsement.
The eight-year period for re-delineation has lapsed and Sarawak may now kick off the process that is provided for under Article 113 (2) of the Federal Constitution and read together with Schedule (13) of the Federal Constitution, which takes into account various factors including the number of voters in a constituency and other difficulties faced by rural areas.
Two important elements must be acknowledged as the deciding determinants in a re-delineation proposal; namely, preventing imbalance between urban and rural voters and maintaining representation in accordance with Sarawak's size and multiracial character.
Compelling argument
Indeed, a compelling argument in support of re-delineation is provided by the widespread mixed ethnic and socioeconomic populace spread across vast geographical space which renders the problem of logistic challenging.
Notwithstanding, the debate on the subject matter has not escaped the adversarial eye of the oppositionists whose stance seems to be driven by undue anxiety over the hypothetical political and power dynamics, implying that the proposal would be favour Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), the state's ruling coalition.
Whilst we cannot easily ignore the presence of the political component, the prospect of improved expanded social inclusivity and development must eventually outweigh all other considerations in the debate.
At a more collective level, you simply cannot talk of democracy without connecting the topic to politics, development and the masses.
Essentially, there is an inter-locking relationship of the three but ultimately people, development and progress are the solution to the equation that cannot be disputed.
Democratic practicality
To the well-meaning critic, the re-delineation underscores a profound need for an expanded democratic framework in Sarawak.
Such a framework is deemed vital for adequately serving the growing, widespread population and for keeping abreast of the rapid economic and social advancements witnessed in the post-pandemic development era.
Initially, Sarawak had 48 state constituencies before the first state election in 1969, and this was followed by an increase to 56 in 1985, 62 in 1995, 71 in 2005, and 82 in 2015.
Sarawak's last re-delineation exercise was in 2015. The proposed increase in the number of state seats will imminently result in a correspondingly increase in the number of parliamentary constituencies.
The provision of Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) – and more especially the withdrawal of Singapore from Malaysia, which left many parliamentary seats in the island republic taken over by parties based in Peninsular Malaysia – is the basis for the justified belief that the anticipated increase in the number of parliamentary seats is due to proportionate representation and seat allocation.
Sarawak contends that the imbalance and injustice must be corrected, and that the state must be allocated a fair share.
Expanded power of electoral representation
The debate on the re-delineation takes us to further explore the expanded power of electoral representation on a higher plane.
In this, the proposed increase in the number of state seats will correspond with an increase in the number of parliamentary seats, although the latter is to be done through a separate exercise.
The increase in numbers will effectively translate to a louder and stronger voice in Parliament.
This opens up the democratic space and provides greater leverage for Sarawak MPs to speak up with a more unified voice on specific development needs, resource allocation, and the full implementation of the MA63.
This is the nuanced reality that will change the complexion of politics at the federal level as Sarawak steps up closer to exercising the crucial authority.
Full attendance at the special DUN sitting on July 7. — Photo from the Office of Premier of Sarawak
Balanced, equitable representation
There is no doubting that the increasing political clout of Sarawak-based parties, under the GPS alliance, may well be the deciding factor in the upcoming federal elections and on important Bills in Parliament.
Sarawak's voice no longer remains muted or relegated.
The rise and shift of power would give Sarawak MPs a more authoritative role in making governmental bargains or pushing for certain policy outcomes.
For Sarawak, a more equitable re-delineation can lead to more balanced representation of the different communities, make constituencies easier for Sarawak MPs to handle, and also allow for planned development to be effectively executed by directing resources more specifically towards erstwhile disenfranchised communities.
The economies of scale are justified by planned critical mass, which forms the basis for social inclusivity of communities across rural Sarawak.
Overall, this exercise can lead to parliamentary democracy being more balanced, with Sarawak's distinctive contributions and interests receiving their proper place in national policy-making.
The issues of logistics, ethnic heterogeneity, vast geographical expanse and challenging terrain are key defining factors when considering reviewing the physical size and jurisdiction of a constituency in Sarawak, with the view to re-delineating and setting up new boundaries.
Due to the size and widespread vastness of the land, particularly in the rural and far-flung constituencies in Sarawak, boundaries implemented often cover heterogeneous communities.
As a result, effective representation becomes a challenging task for representatives who have to traverse a long distance, largely with little infrastructure, to interact with their constituents.
Such geographical barrier has a sobering impact on logistics, where campaigning, the delivery of basic services, and voters being transported to voting stations become easier during election season which is a natural component of democracy.
In an effort to ensure that all of the people, especially in the remote areas, are represented proportionately and appropriately, re-drawing constituency lines and their numbers is not just an administrative exercise, but an intrinsic democratic exercise towards having more representative government and to allow each Sarawakian to be heard regardless of how remote one's residence or distinctive cultural identity is.
Enlarging democratic space
Enlarging the democratic geographic space is underscored by the moral conscience of enhancing socioeconomic development and stepping up participatory development across the community.
The trajectory is a reflection of the moral and democratic colours of the present leaders set within the broader definitive context of social justice and inclusivity.
Therefore, the appeal to broaden the geographic basis of democracy must not be viewed narrowly as a political abstraction.
Conversely, it is an extrapolation of a moral necessity based on the premise that authentic social advancement is dependent upon an equitable dispersal of power and opportunity.
Those who fail to take the political blinkers off their eyes won't be able to see this, or would choose to view it from a jaundiced perspective.
In fact, the very path of such democratic expansion is a direct consequence of the unyielding moral and democratic principles of the ruling leadership in GPS, whose vision goes beyond political dominion to encompass genuine human thriving.
Social inclusivity
Therefore, the whole exercise of re-delineation that comes squarely within the broad sweep of organic social inclusivity, attempting to break down walls and provide a voice and stake in the group journey towards an added equitable and prosperous country to every man, wherever he or she stands or comes from.
This expansion of geographic and democratic space provided by re-delineation is intrinsically linked to the enhancement of holistic socioeconomic development, as it ensures that development strategies are not imposed from above, but are informed by the lived realities and needs of diverse communities, especially those who live in the margins or far-flung settlements, far from mainstream development.
Furthermore, holistic development that is driven and upheld by commitment to planned democratic sustainability invigorates participatory development, empowering citizens to actively shape policies, allocate resources, and engage with their elected representatives through meaningful partnership; thereby, fostering a sense of ownership and sustainability in progress.
File photo shows a voter marking his ballot paper in the voting booth. — Bernama photo
Moral, democratic convictions of leadership
Indeed, the very trajectory of this democratic enlargement serves as a direct reflection of the immutable moral and democratic convictions of the incumbent leadership, whose vision extends beyond mere political control to encompass genuine human flourishing.
This entire endeavour is situated within the expansive framework of comprehensive social inclusivity, striving to dismantle barriers and ensure that every individual, regardless of their location or background, has a voice and a stake in the collective journey towards a more just and prosperous society.
There is little disagreement that over time democracy and development are mutually reinforcing. Advances in one may produce advances in the other, in a process of mutual interaction and reinforcement.
A key component of representative democracy, which is based on the ideas of representation and public service, is the interaction between elected officials and their constituents.
If the physical distance between elected officials and the electorate can be successfully closed with adequate infrastructure and acceptable constituency sizes, then all of this will be operationally effective.
Elected officials are entrusted with the responsibility of representing the interests of their constituents within the government and acting as a link between the people and the government.
This relationship involves communication, understanding constituent concerns, and, where possible, assisting in solving their problems.
In essence, the relationship between elected representatives and constituents is a dynamic partnership that is vital for a functioning democracy.
It requires ongoing effort from both sides to ensure that the voices of the people are heard, and that the government is responsive to their needs.
Toman Mamora, PhD (Nottingham UK) Social Anthropology.
• Tokoh Media Sarawak
• Communication and research consultant DUN re-delineation sarawak seats