The nature of political representation: Voters’ perception towards the role of political representation

There is a wide spectrum in academia that representatives of the citizens should act line with interests those who are being represented. Knowledge about citizens’ preferences, however, still limited field political representation Malaysia. This paper examines MPs’ roles as Malaysia from perspective themselves. Based on survey (n=598), voters’ preferences analysed through three models representative-delegates, trustee and partisan. The research findings indicate constituents place high priority MPs bringing development to constituency rather than law making advocating. To this end, more expectations for assemble delegate model. Citizens perceive main role legislator minor role. perception could reflect situation Accordingly, suggests focus their functions policy making, participate parliamentary debates actively represent constituencies at national level. take local issues policies implementation be contextualized respective constituencies. Keywords: perception, constituencies, member parliament, Malaysian Politics, representative, representative