Voters in Bintong, Chuping and Guar Sanji are denied representation after Perlis Speaker retracts by-election request, MyKuasa warns.
PETALING JAYA: Voters in Bintong, Chuping and Guar Sanji are being denied their democratic rights following state assembly speaker Rus’sele Eizan’s decision to retract a request to hold by-elections in the three constituencies, according to MyKuasa chief executive Praba Ganesan.
Praba said the absence of elected representatives in the three state seats amounted to a denial of voters’ fundamental democratic rights, leaving constituents without a voice in the Perlis State Legislative Assembly and by extension, effective political representation.
“Voters need to be represented in their state assembly and in the Dewan Rakyat. They voted for representation in 2022. Right now, voters in three constituencies are not represented at the state level,” he told theSun through WhatsApp.
“No representation means democratic rights are denied.”
MyKuasa is an NGO dedicated to promoting democratic participation, public accountability and government transparency in Malaysia.
Praba said the decision not to proceed with by-elections carried far-reaching implications beyond the immediate legal justifications cited, adding that it undermines the core principles of democratic governance.
He stressed that legislative representation was not merely symbolic but essential to ensuring the needs of constituents were articulated, addressed and defended within formal government structures.
“All aspects of democratic governance are compromised – legislative representation, constituency services and the ability to hold the government accountable,” he said.
Praba said without elected assembly members, residents in Bintong, Chuping and Guar Sanji were effectively sidelined from debates, policy discussions and oversight processes within the state assembly, particularly on issues directly affecting their constituencies.
He added that constituency services, including engagement with state agencies, raising local grievances and facilitating development projects, were also severely affected in the absence of an elected representative with a clear mandate.
Beyond these concerns, Praba described the decision as deeply political, pointing to dynamics within Perikatan Nasional as a key factor.
He claimed that PAS, both at the Perlis level and within its central leadership, appeared more focused on preserving coalition harmony with Bersatu than on restoring representation to voters.
“Perlis PAS and PAS headquarters are more interested in not fraying relationships with Bersatu inside Perikatan Nasional. They want to cool things down.”
According to Praba, this included avoiding by-elections that could significantly alter the balance of power within the Perlis state assembly.
He added that PAS was widely expected to win all three seats if by-elections were held, a result that would increase the party’s strength in the assembly and intensify pressure on the current state leadership.
He also said a minority-led state government could face serious legitimacy and stability challenges, particularly as the next state election approaches.
