Top 5 backbenchers to watch out for

ANALYSIS | For the latter half of the past six decades, Dewan Rakyat’s backbenchers have developed a long reputation of being government cheerleaders, grandstanders or just generally unremarkable.

Now that there is a change in government, there appears to be a corresponding change in attitudes in the new backbenchers.

Although many still have a tendency to heckle BN MPs, who now sit on the opposition bench, many Pakatan Harapan MPs try to project themselves as polished lawmakers with their constituents’ interests at heart.

Many have suggested ways for the government to fulfill its promise for institutional reform - a key component of Harapan’s election pledges - which has often been overlooked by the media in favour of more “colourful” events in Parliament.

Below is Malaysiakini’s list, in no particular order, of its Top 5 backbenchers to watch out for in the coming sitting. They were observed to have raised issues that drew the attention of ministers and stirred debates.

It should be noted that this list does not contain Amanah and Bersatu MPs, as most of them are on the front bench.

1. Wong Shu Qi

Journalist-turned-politician Wong Shu Qi has been versatile, chiming on many topics. Her maiden speech on July 23 saw her urging Malaysians to stop the “cycle of anger” and work towards a true Malaysian nation.

The Kluang MP also urged Putrajaya to cancel the special lottery draws that were started back in 1998 to raise funds to help the victims of the Nipah virus. Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng made note of this and promised that the draws, which he said contributed to gambling addiction, would be reduced starting next year.

She found herself in the firing line by MCA leaders after she corrected Chinese newspaper reports on statements made by Education Minister Maszlee Malik regarding Putrajaya’s position on the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC).

Wong, who is one of the few MPs who have taken the UEC exam, said there was no haste and Putrajaya’s position on the matter had to be properly deliberated.

Wong, 35, is currently the second-youngest member in the powerful Public Accounts Committee.

2. Fahmi Fadzil

This Dewan Rakyat debutant representing Lembah Pantai has repeatedly spoken for the urban poor, highlighting public housing woes and pressing the government on the reinstatement of the Kuala Lumpur City Plan.

Fahmi also demanded that the government explain what happened to the RM40 millionmeant to run the Cultural Economy Development Agency (Cendana) for two years. Cendana, a government-linked creative arts agency, was an arts initiative launched by then prime minister Najib Abdul Razak last year.

However, the media spotlight fell on Fahmi during the sitting for reasons irrelevant to his parliamentary performance. A speculative report claimed that he would be vacating his seat for PKR president-elect Anwar Ibrahim, which he has firmly denied.

A chemical engineer by training, Fahmi spent a long time in theatre, writing and activism before politics.

3. Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir

True to his background as an activist specialising in government transparency, the new Johor Bahru MP has dogged the government over spending cuts and 1MDB investigations.

He also threw a challenge to opposition leader Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to lead by example and declare his assets to the MACC, since Zahid’s role comes with ministerial status.

His composed debating style shares some semblance to his mentor and former Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli. The duo established the National Oversight and Whistleblower Centre (NOW) together in 2012.

The 32-year-old is currently the youngest member of the PAC.

4. Wong Kah Woh

The Ipoh Timur MP has not been afraid to ruffle executive feathers, putting pressure on Education Minister Maszlee Malek regarding the eligibility of Chinese independent schools for government funding.

Wong also demanded that Putrajaya fulfil its promise to set up the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC), a stillborn project proposed by the Royal Commission of Inquiry on police reforms in 2005.

The 38-year-old, who is a first-term MP, was also named as the deputy chairperson of the PAC.

5. Chan Ming Kai

Representing the rice-producing state of Kedah, Chan has regularly spoken up on agricultural issues, while proposing federal government subsidies to help the paddy industry.

The Alor Setar MP also called on the government to accept DNA evidence to prove a biological link between parents and children when parents were unable to provide marriage certificates to register their child’s birth.

Chan, a former Perlis opposition leader, said that this was potentially a solution to the 50,000 cases of stateless children currently in the country, particularly in states bordering Thailand where this is a common occurrence. -Mkini

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