Top 5 backbenchers to watch out for

ANALYSIS | For the latter half of the past six decades, the Dewan Rakyat 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 attitude among 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 five backbenchers and first time MPs to watch out for in the coming sitting. They were observed to have raised issues that drew the attention of ministers and stirred debates...