Walking a tightrope between loyalty and accountability, Malaysia’s backbench MPs must support the government while ensuring policies meet the rakyat’s real-life challenges, says chairman of the Government Backbenchers Club (BBC), in an exclusive interview with theSun
PETALING JAYA: In Malaysia’s coalition Parliament, government backbenchers play a crucial but often underappreciated role. Beyond casting votes, they act as the bridge between national agendas and local realities. BBC chairman Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah explains how MPs navigate this delicate balance, ensuring policies are effective, relevant and accountable to the people they serve.
From reinforcing political stability and improving policy communication to tackling cost-of-living pressures, digital connectivity and regional development, the BBC aims to connect national priorities with the realities faced by the rakyat. Mohd Shahar emphasised the importance of discipline, unity and open dialogue among MPs, while fostering a professional, research-driven backbench capable of supporting the government with integrity and holding it accountable.
theSun: As the BBC chief, how do you balance supporting the government while maintaining MPs’ independence?
Mohd Shahar: Parliament works best when government MPs are disciplined but still free to speak truthfully about the realities faced by their communities. Our role at BBC is not to be a rubber stamp. It is to support the Madani government’s agenda with substance while ensuring policies remain grounded in real-life concerns.
MPs are the bridge between national plans and the rakyat’s daily struggles, so their independence matters. Raising issues is not disloyalty, it is accountability. We encourage honest dialogue through the right channels to ensure policies reflect Malaysia’s diverse needs.
theSun: What are the BBC’s key priorities this parliamentary term?
Mohd Shahar: Our focus is to reinforce political stability, improve policy communication and ensure government reforms are understood clearly and implemented effectively. Stability is Malaysia’s strongest economic asset. Investors look for it and families rely on it. We coordinate closely with ministers, prevent misunderstandings early and ensure MPs are aligned on issues such as targeted subsidies, fiscal reforms including SST expansion and e-invoicing, and long-term investments in digital and high-growth sectors. BBC tests, challenges and refines policies from the rakyat’s perspective so Parliament remains focused on accurate debate, not drama.
theSun: How do you ensure MPs are well-coordinated on sensitive bills such as the Urban Renewal Act?
Mohd Shahar: Coordination cannot come at the eleventh hour. Ministers brief us early. MPs receive background papers, economic impact assessments and legal explanations well before debates begin. This builds clarity and unity. Through closed-door sessions, MPs can question clauses, raise local concerns and propose improvements. We also tailor talking points so MPs can explain policies effectively to their constituencies. Follow-up briefings help refine positions as feedback emerges.
theSun: How does BBC handle differing views among BN, PH, GPS and GRS MPs?
Mohd Shahar: Diversity is our strength. It mirrors Malaysia’s own complexity. MPs bring perspectives shaped by their states whether Sabah, Sarawak, East Coast or Klang Valley.
We institutionalise dialogue through structured briefings and working groups, especially on policies involving subsidy rationalisation, land matters and regional development funding under the 13th Malaysia Plan. Unity grows when MPs are informed early and engaged consistently. National stability remains everyone’s shared priority.
theSun: What issues do government MPs raise most frequently?
Mohd Shahar: Cost of living dominates nationwide. MPs push for smooth implementation of BUDI95, diesel rationalisation, STR and SARA so no vulnerable groups are left behind.
Connectivity is another major concern. Whether in urban flats or rural villages, digital access is now a basic need. MPs highlight gaps in broadband speed, 5G rollout, device affordability and digital literacy. They also push for infrastructure and public service upgrades including flood mitigation, road repairs, water supply, health facilities and housing, as these directly shape daily quality of life. Regional MPs emphasise fairer development and job creation outside major cities, aligned with the Unity Government’s push for balanced growth.
theSun: Are there challenges in maintaining discipline and unity?
Mohd Shahar: Any coalition government will have different views and political cultures. The key is not to eliminate differences but to manage them maturely. Unity comes from trust, early communication and a shared understanding that Malaysia cannot afford instability. When MPs feel informed and heard, discipline becomes a culture, not a command.
theSun: What legacy do you hope to leave as BBC chairman?
Mohd Shahar: I want to build a more professional, research-driven and future-ready backbench. A knowledgeable bloc is the backbone of a mature democracy. My goal is for BBC to be remembered as a consistent force for stability and national focus during challenging global times. If future MPs inherit a stronger institution, able to support government with integrity while holding it accountable, then that will be a legacy worth leaving.
theSun: How do you balance leading BBC with serving Paya Besar?
Mohd Shahar: Constituency comes first. My work in Paya Besar keeps me grounded in real concerns like household pressures, job opportunities and public facilities.
A structured schedule, a strong constituency team and open engagement channels ensure I remain accessible both locally and nationally. Both roles share the same purpose: delivering for the rakyat. When the mission is clear, the responsibilities complement each other.
