Youngest MP hopes to fight for youth
KUALA LUMPUR: The youngest member of parliament in Malaysian history, P. Prabakaran, 22, is looking forward to his first appearance in the Dewan Rakyat when the legislative assembly convenes on July 16.
At the Parliament building yesterday, the Batu MP said he arrived early for the briefing session for MPs to get a feel of the environment.
“I am excited. I came early so that I could sit at the front row. I can’t wait for the Parliament session to start.
“As a newcomer, I need to learn fast to understand the procedure and flow of the assembly. I have to put aside my nervousness as I am now representing the voices of thousands of Batu constituents,” said the law graduate, who thanked his mentor and idol in politics, former Batu MP, Tian Chua, for his guidance.
He expressed hopes to fight for youth, including in education as well as to encourage young people to join politics.
Prabakaran, who contested as an independent candidate at the 14th General Election, won with a huge majority of 24,438 votes, defeating Barisan Nasional’s Dominic Lau Hoe Chai, Azhar Yahya (Pas) and independent candidate Datuk V.M. Panjamothy.
Tian Chua, who is PKR vice president, held the Batu parliamentary seat since 2008.
Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil said he felt awkward to be in the company of many prominent politicians.
“I used to accompany politicians to Dewan Rakyat, but this time is different as I am now an MP.
“It is exciting and I hope that the question-and-answer session with the prime minister will be introduced so that the premier can answer questions from members of both sides of the house,” he said.