The Keadilan and PAS branches in Kelantan will shortly submit their objections to the state Election Commission (EC) over the proposed redelineation exercise.

State Keadilan chairperson Muhamad Mustapha said a draft memorandum was drawn up at the state Barisan Alternatif (Keadilan and PAS) co-ordination committee meeting a week ago.

Muhamad, who is also MP for Peringat, said several suggestions would be included for the EC to consider.

The EC had unveiled recommendations for redelineation of state and parliamentary constituencies earlier this month, saying these were based on electoral and geographical size and projected development of the areas.

EC proposal 'unfair'

Muhamad claimed that certain areas such as villages in Peringat and Jeli would now come under constituencies that state opposition Barisan Nasional hopes to win in the next general election.

"Areas suspected of being sympathetic to the [ruling PAS state government] are being taken out of certain constituencies. This is unfair," Muhamad alleged.

Asked if the EC was likely to entertain the objections, he said this was up to the commission.

"Since it is purportedly an independent body, it should consider our suggestions. Our objections [do] have some basis," he said.

On whether Keadilan and PAS would consider taking legal action if the EC were to ignore the memorandum, Muhamad said the committee has yet to discuss the matter.

Complain to KL

State EC deputy director Abdul Rahim Salled, when contacted, said the draft redelineation document is being made public for a month from Aug 8.

"Any party or non-governmental organisation that is dissatisfied can submit their objections to our headquarters in Kuala Lumpur," he said.

Rahim said there would be no change to the total number of parliamentary seats in Kelantan, which would remain at 14.

"State seats will be increased [by two] from 43 [to cover] Tumpat and Kuala Krai," he added.

YAAKUB DASAN is malaysiakini's correspondent in Kelantan.