THE principle of ‘one man, one vote, one value’ should not be treated as an absolute standard in electoral systems, especially when it fails to account for real-world complexities and minority representation.
Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapa’ee said the rigid application of the concept does not reflect global democratic practices, citing the United States as an example, where the Electoral College system allows a President to be elected without securing the popular vote, as seen in 2016.
“Even the world’s oldest democracies don’t fully apply it. The U.S. system, for instance, prioritises representational balance over mathematical equality,” he said.
He said this during the motion of adjournment for Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill 2025 in the special State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Monday (July 7).
He also strongly rejected opposition claims of gerrymandering linked to the creation of the 17 new state seats.
“There was no redelineation between the 2016 and 2022 state elections. Yet Democractic Action Party (DAP)’s seats dropped from seven to just two – Pending and Padungan.
“That clearly shows voters made their decision based on performance, not boundaries,” he said.
Dr Annuar agreed with Tupong assemblyman Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS)’s performance was well received by the electorate, and it was this, not political manipulation, that determined the outcome.
On the financial implications of adding new seats, he argued that concerns over allowance costs were misplaced.
“The estimated RM4.5 million in additional allowances is far outweighed by the RM120 million in development allocations these new constituencies will receive.
“Are we willing to sacrifice RM120 million in development just to avoid RM4.5 million in allowances? That’s not a rational comparison,” he said.
He also commended members of the House for engaging in a mature and respectful debate throughout the sitting, free from personal attacks or disorderly conduct.
