Independent MP, Datuk Ibrahim Ali warns that independent MPs can 'sting'. - Picture by Jack OoiDatuk Ibrahim Ali who became sole independent Member of Parliament (MP) in March 2008 believes that independent members can ‘sting’ and decide the outcome in Dewan Rakyat.
The role played by independent members has caught the public attention with the addition of three from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) who quit to become independent MPs.
Ibrahim, the MP for Pasir Mas said as independent members, they could make decisions on their own without being tied to any political parties. “As such, we can voice more freely and speak from the heart for the good of the people and country,” he told Bernama here today.
He was commenting on the resignation of PKR MPs Datuk Seri Zahrain Hashim (Bayan Baru), Tan Tee Beng (Nibong Tebal) and Mohsin Fadzli Samsuri (Bagan Serai) to become independent MPs.
The important role of independent MPs surfaced when Ibrahim was blamed for not backing Dr Tan Seng Giaw’s (DAP) failed bid for the post of Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker in April 2008.
Ibrahim’s name also came up in June 2008 during the incident of block voting to approve the Supplementary Supply Bill (2007) 2008. Barisan Nasional (BN) prevailed with 92 votes against 60 for the opposition and one abstention, again all eyes were trained on Ibrahim.
Ibrahim said independent MPs could also decide on the party that should get a two third majority in parliament by throwing support behind the party of their choice. “BN is only short of seven seats (presuming that the four independents are for BN) and if 10 more PKR MPs quit, then there is possibility that BN will regain two third majority in Dewan Rakyat,” he said.
“I will not be lonely anymore now that there are several independents,” Ibrahim said when commenting a statement by Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim that a block of independent MPs would not become reality. “Anything can happen in politics,” Ibrahim said.
He also slammed Khalid for saying that he would not be able to cooperate with Tan Tee Beng. “How does Khalid know what’s in my heart? PKR likes to jump to conclusion. It should not be that way (non-cooperation with Tan). I have always been misunderstood.”
Ibrahim refuted claims that independent MPs are easily swayed adding it is only a perception. “In making political decisions, independents and those from political parties are the same. All have their own interest in mind.”
The vocal MP said although he is an independent, as a politician, he could not discount joining political parties in future. — Bernama
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