KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 7 — Putrajaya revealed today that it has no immediate plans to replace the current first-past-the-post or the simple majority electoral system despite recommendations for reform, insisting it is still relevant and suitable for multiracial Malaysia.

But in his reply to Kuala Krai MP Dr Mohd Hatta Md Ramli, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim said, however, that the government has yet to make a final decision.

“The government is not ready to accept the recommendations by the Special Select Committee on Electoral Reform to implement the Proportionate Representation System to replace first-past-the-post system because the current system is still relevant and is suitable to continue to use in Malaysia.

“The Election Commission (EC) however, is looking into the feasibility of the system before announcing the final decision,” he said.

The Arau MP also said that the first-past-the-post system is also being practiced in the United Kingdom, India, Canada and others.

“The first-past-the-post system is relevant and is very appropriate to be implemented in Malaysia since Malaysia is a multiracial country.

“The system also allows the minority, Orang Asli, professionals, and businessmen to be represented in Dewan Negara,” Shahidan said.

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