Ahli Parlimen yang mahu reformasi tak perlu terus kekal, kata penganalisis

Analysts have urged Malaysian politicians seeking reform to remain in Parliament until dissolution, rather than leaving immediately. The President of the Malaysia Barisan Nasional Party, Larry Sng, emphasized that easy majorities for reform-related legislation can be achieved without requiring reformers to stay in the Dewan Rakyat until dissolution.

Dr. Lau Zhe Wei, a political analyst from Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (UIAM), explained that the presence of non-aligned PKR MPs in Parliament does not significantly impact the passage of legislation requiring a simple majority, as DAP and Borneo-based parties continue to support the unity government.

Lau emphasized that the role of the concerned MP would become less important if the DAP could convince the government to fulfill its reform promises. "The 'more people, better' narrative is oversimplified; it's about vote counts," he told FMT. "It's about voting in Parliament. So, in the current situation, reform can be implemented even without a likeminded faction."

He added that bipartisan support can be found for reforms requiring a two-thirds majority, citing examples such as the passage of constitutional amendments to lower the voting age to 18 and the introduction of automatic voter registration. "In this case, the opposition must support it," he said.

Recent calls by Barisan Nasional President Larry Sng for reform-minded MPs to stay in Parliament until dissolution have been criticized. Lee Chean Chung, a PKR MP from Petaling Jaya, indicated he would be stepping down, while others face restrictions in accessing the MyKhas portal for parliamentary facilities. Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri, from Global Asia Consulting, stated that such actions might result in losing votes within the institution where reform would ultimately be debated and passed.

He noted that MPs still possess three tools for reform: voting, parliamentary platforms, and political influence. "Staying an MP doesn't mean staying silent; they can set clear goals, demand timelines, and openly demand government accountability," he said. "If you believe the system needs reform, why leave it before you've exhausted every opportunity to change it?"