PAS’ proposal to change election boundaries if they and their allies win the next general election with a two-thirds majority is unconstitutional, said MIC president S.A. Vigneswaran.

He said PAS was only pursuing its objective, which was to establish an Islamic state in the country. 

“PAS wants to win GE15 with Bersatu and Umno so that they can implement the re-delineation of boundaries to benefit the Muslim people. 

“There is a simple word for it: gerrymandering. This proposed demarcation is unfair and contrary to the vision of our founding fathers to celebrate our diversity,” he said during MIC’s annual general meeting today.

Last week, PAS central committee member Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali said boundaries of parliamentary constituencies could be changed to benefit Malay-Muslims if PAS and its allies won the next general election with a two-thirds majority.

He said it would take the cooperation of three Malay parties – PAS, Bersatu and Umno – to turn that dream into a reality. 

Vigneswaran said any demarcation process should be in line with the spirit of nation-building and not in any way contrary to the constitution. 

As for the issue concerning Hindu temples in Kedah, Vigneswaran said he hoped the PAS-led state government would take steps to ensure there are discussions before taking any drastic action to demolish the temples.

“Please give us a chance to help resolve issues regarding temples so that the state government’s relationship with MIC is not affected.”

Vigneswaran was referring to Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor’s justification for the demolition of the 78-year-old Sri Madurai Veeran temple in Alor Star and calling for MIC to be outlawed for criticising the demolition. 

Sanusi suggested that the temple be demolished as it was “built on land where it is not allowed to do so” and, as such, “has broken the law”. – April 3, 2021.