THE Malay term “durian runtuh” (windfall) is fast becoming synonymous with P. Prabakaran’s rise from obscurity just a few weeks ago to become Malaysia’s youngest lawmaker.

The 22-year-old, who contested as an independent in the Batu parliamentary seat, was thrust into the limelight when he was endorsed by PKR after its incumbent candidate, Chua Tian Chang, was disqualified from contesting in GE14.

“Inilah dia, durian runtuh bagi Praba. (This is it, Praba’s windfall),” an elderly Malay man, Razali Zaharin, told Malaysia Decides after GE14.

Prabakaran is quick to concur.

“Yes, I was lucky and it was also by the grace of God,” he said.

The younger of two siblings, the law student won the seat by 38,125 votes, securing a majority of 24,438 to beat three other candidates from Barisan Nasional, PAS and another independent.

And a day after his historic victory, he joined PKR.

“Some of them lifted me up, hugged and warmly welcomed me when I went for my first PKR meeting at the party headquarters.”

So, what made Prabakaran contest as an independent?

“I wanted to make a statement. I wanted to end the perception that you need to be part of a political party to serve the people.

“I just wanted to kick start my career in politics. This was also the first time I voted. I didn’t mind losing my deposit if I could change the people’s mindset. Now all the youth in the country are awake,” said the Brickfields Asia College student.

He was among 17 candidates under the age of 35 who contested in GE14.

And he is one of the six who won. The other five are PKR’s Akmal Nasir, 32 (Johor Baru); Bersatu’s Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, 25 (Muar); DAP’s Yeo Bee Yin, 35 (Bakri); DAP’s Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen, 31 (Kuching); and DAP’s Mordi Bimol, 33 (Mas Gading).

Friendly and approachable, Prabakaran does not find his newfound fame awkward. Barely a week after winning, he is already saddled with complaints from constituents.

“Many see me because of financial difficulties, so my team helps by referring them to NGOs (civil society groups). The others have complaints with the local council.

“My most important task now is to open my own service centre so that people can find me easily.”

The young MP said he would work towards taking youth empowerment to a higher level, apart from serving the community in Batu.

And he was appreciative of his father who forced him to watch Dewan Rakyat debates on the television, instead of cartoons. From there on, he started following parliamentary proceedings in other countries.

His dad, a real estate consultant, was seated several tables away at the restaurant where this interview was conducted.

But while he stayed put, the other patrons made a beeline for Malaysia’s youngest parliamentarian, simply to shake hands, or take photographs with their MP.

Prabakaran may enjoy the adulation now, but the youngster certainly has his work cut out for him. – May 16, 2018.