Reform-minded MPs don’t need to hang around, says analyst

Analyst Lau Zhe Wei of the International Islamic University of Malaysia argues that reform-minded Malaysian MPs do not necessarily need to remain in Parliament until it is dissolved. He suggests that many reforms can be passed with a simple parliamentary majority, regardless of whether estranged PKR MPs stay in the house. Lau believes that these MPs would become less crucial if the Democratic Action Party (DAP) could convince the government to fulfill its institutional reform promises.

He points out that the focus should be on the number of votes, not the number of MPs, as it is the vote that matters in Parliament.

Lau references past bipartisan support for reforms requiring a two-thirds majority, such as lowering the voting age to 18 and implementing automatic voter registration. He notes that the opposition is obliged to support such reforms if they are neutral and not biased towards the government or opposition.

Opposition leader Larry Sng of Parti Bangsa Malaysia urged reform-minded MPs to remain in Parliament until dissolution, as the government still needs a two-thirds majority to pass constitutional amendments. However, Global Asia Consulting consultant Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani recommends that MPs focus on using their vote, parliamentary platform, and political leverage to hold the government accountable, instead of leaving the system before reform efforts can be fully realized.

Sani emphasizes that political pressure alone may not guarantee government action, and that reform-minded MPs must maintain unity, discipline, and courage to sustain pressure.