Simple majority system is best for Malaysia - Minister

The 'First Past the Post' or simple majority system in election process is the best and most suitable to be practised in Malaysia, the Dewan Rakyat was told Thursday. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim said, this was because the system was suitable for a country with multi-racial society and could be easily understood by the people. "This system (First Past the Post) has proven able to unite the people of various races since it was practised after Independence. "The government is not ready to accept the 'Proportionate Representation' system which takes into account popular votes because the existing system is still relevant to be practised in elections," he said in response to a question by Dr Mohd Hatta Ramli (PAS-Kuala Krai). Dr Mohd Hatta wanted to know whether the government was ready to accept the suggestion by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Electoral Reform to study implementation of the 'Proportionate Representation' system to replace the 'First Past the Post' system in the election process in the country. Shahidan also said the Election Commission (EC) was still studying the suitability of the 'Proportionate Representation' system before deciding the matter. Meanwhile, in response to a supplementary question from Dr Mohd Hatta on the implementation of the 'First Past the Post' system which did not favour the opposition pact in the last general election, Shahidan said many Commonwealth countries had adopted the system and proven effective, as well as supported by the people.