Penang has filed several objections against the Election Commission’s (EC) proposed redelineation exercise as the commission has acted ultra vires (beyond the powers) of the Federal Constitution.

A proper redelineation exercise needs to comply with the highest law of the land, the constitution, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

He finds the EC’s proposed recommendations inappropriate considering there were more effective ones that comply with the Federal Constitution.

“We request for a hearing with the EC to explain and forward Penang’s objections of the redelineation by providing proof to back our claims,” Lim said in a press conference today.

“The EC’s recommendations dated Sept 15 contradicts with the Federal Constitution, is against the law and is opposed to the mandatory items stated in paragraph 2(c) and 2(d) of the 13th Schedule of the constitution,” he added.

Sub-section 2(c) states that the number of voters for each area in a particular state must be approximately the same with the exception of several factors like challenges in reaching out to the voters in rural areas.

Sub-section 2(d) states that attention should be given to the difficulties which may arise with the change in elections and to maintaining local ties.

Lim also complained about the information provided by the EC, which he said was insufficient, for individuals to make their objections about the redelineation exercise.

“The information provided did not show how individuals would be affected by the redelineation exercise,” he said.

“There is also not enough time for us to prepare our objections in 30 days due to the lack of information and the difficulties in accessing EC’s website,” he added.

“The EC has acted ultra vires of the Federal Constitution and failed to carry out their duties as stated in Item 113(2)."

Meanwhile, Lim, in explaining the objections, pointed to his constituency in Air Putih, and compared it against Paya Terubong, the largest seat with 41,707 voters.

He recalled that 1,000 over voters were transferred out of Air Putih, reducing his voters to 12,752.

“The difference between both seats is 3.27 times; Paya Terubong can make up more than three seats,” Lim added.

“The redelineation exercise should try to balance the number of voters between seats instead of creating such a large difference, the exercise violated the 'one person, one vote' principle,” he stressed.

Earlier, Penang announced that it has formed a committee, headed by state exco Jagdeep Singh Deo to study the redelineation exercise, with MPs Ng Wei Aik (DAP-Tanjung), Steven Sim (DAP-Bukit Mertajam) and  Mujahid Yusof Rawa (Amanah-Parit Buntar).

Lim said Penang sent objections for Bukit Mertajam, Bukit Bendera and Bukit Gelugor and five state seats - Air Putih, Air Itam, Seri Delima, Sungai Pinang and Paya Terubong.