Zahrain targets PR but BN is collateral damage, analysts say
By Neville Spykerman, The Malaysian Insider
Did the newly-independent Bayan Baru MP Datuk Seri Zahrain Hashim over-play his hand by his “revelations” in Parliament last week that eight Barisan Nasional (BN) MPs would have helped Pakatan Rakyat (PR) capture Putrajaya in 2008?
Political analyst Khoo Kay Peng said Zahrain’s disclosure of the BN MPs’ identities, who were to help realise Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s September 16 plan, may backfire.
“It hurts the ruling coalition more than Pakatan Rakyat ,” said Khoo, adding disclosing the name only casts doubts on whether MPs in BN’s own ranks can be trusted by their peers.
Zahrain listed the MPs who were to jump as Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah (BN-Gua Musang), Datuk Seri Abdul Ghapur Salleh (BN-Kalabakan), Datuk Seri Anifah Aman (BN-Kimanis), Datuk Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan), Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi (BN-Batu Pahat) and Datuk Seri Tengku Azlan Sultan Abu Bakar (BN-Jerantut).
He also named Datuk Chua Soon Bui (SAPP-Tawau) and Datuk Eric Majimbun (SAPP-Sepanggar), who did quit BN and sit as Independents in the House.
“I’m surprised at the strategy, what will their colleagues in BN think of them?” added Khoo, pointing out that Sept 16 was an old story which didn’t happen and Zahrain disclosures was nothing new.
For two consecutive days Zahrain, who left PKR on February 12 to become an Independent MP, took pot shots at the Opposition Leader’s planned take-over of the Federal Government after Election 2008.
