JOHOR BARU: Johor Pakatan Harapan will support a motion to carry out a redelineation of 26 Parliament and 56 state seats in the state.

       Its chief Aminolhuda Hassan said that the redelineation was brought up during their meeting with Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad to discuss the upcoming state Budget recently.

       “This matter needs urgent focus as the number of eligible voters at all Parliamentary seats will see a major spike, particularly in southern Johor,” he said

       “This is due to the implementation of Undi18 to lower the voting age to 18 years old from Jan 1, 2022,” added Aminolhuda at a press conference on Tuesday (Nov 9).

       The state Parti Amanah Negara chairman and Parit Ya’ani assemblyman said that at least five Parliamentary constituencies in districts such as Johor Baru, Kulai and Kluang will see a major increase in new voters due to Undi18.

       “This will double the number of present voters for state seat constituencies as well, where presently the number of eligible voters at one seat has an average of about 60,000 voters,” said Aminolhuda.

       “The number of voters could jump to more than 100,000 following Undi18 at one state seat in Johor, which is almost the same as the number of voters for one Parliament seat in Melaka,” he added.

       Aminolhuda said it was unlikely that the redelineation could be carried out before the 15th General Election, but it must be done for future elections.

       He added this would help elected representatives in servicing their respective constituencies better.

       Aminolhuda said Hasni had given a positive response towards the motion as well as seven suggestions from Pakatan for Johor Budget 2022 during their meeting.

       “This motion needs to get two-thirds support in the State Assembly for it to be brought to Parliament and forwarded to the Election Commission, which will carry out the redelineation,” said Aminolhuda.

       “Johor Pakatan assemblymen will support the motion during the state assembly meeting on Nov 18,” he said, adding that if the redelineation could not be done for Parliament seats, they were hoping it can be carried out for state seats.