First-past-the-post system still relevant in Malaysia, Dewan told

Law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said maintained that the "first-past-the-post" (FPTP) electoral system remains relevant in Malaysia during her address to the Dewan Rakyat. Drawing on a 2011 report from the Election Commission, she stated that FPTP is also utilized by significant democracies like India and the United Kingdom.

According to Azalina, this system is straightforward to understand, highly focused, and fosters a stronger connection between voters and their elected representatives. Addressing a query from Oscar Ling (PH-Sibu) regarding the possibility of adopting the "proportional representation" system, Azalina affirmed that the government is open to any suggestion aimed at improving the country's electoral system.

She emphasized that any proposals should undergo thorough review, considering policy implications, legal aspects, and their potential impact on Malaysia's political landscape. FPTP functions by awarding the winning candidate to the candidate who secures the most votes within a constituency, while proportional representation allocates seats in parliament in proportion to each party's nationwide vote share.