This is the last of a three-part series. Read parts one and two here
KUALA LUMPUR – They have risen above and beyond the monikers of "lone wolf", "traitor" and "defector", and helped influence and shape Malaysian politics into what it is today.
Although Malaysian politicians, by and large, rely on their parties to ensure their political survival, for some, such is their cult of personality that they are unencumbered by party lines.
The Vibes takes a look at several Peninsular Malaysia politicians who have defected from their parties – at least once – and managed to create a lasting impression in Malaysian society, whether for good or ill.
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad
In 1969, the veteran statesman was expelled from Umno after criticising Tunku Abdul Rahman's leadership. However, Mahathir reentered the party’s ranks at the invitation of Tun Abdul Razak in 1974.
He became prime minister in 1981, and ruled for 22 years before retiring in 2003. Dr Mahathir transformed the nation from a sleepy backwater into one of Asia’s economic tigers, and he was dubbed the father of modern Malaysia.
The shadow of Dr Mahathir loomed large over his successor Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. The latter eventually resigned in 2009, after Umno’s disastrous showing in the 12th General Election (GE12) in 2008.
In 2016, Dr Mahathir formed Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) in protest at the leadership of then prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
As a fairly new party, Bersatu joined ranks with PKR, Amanah and DAP to form the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition which went on to win the 14th General Election (GE14) in May 2018, after which he became prime minister for the second time.
Earlier this year he relinquished his leadership position in Bersatu, during the fall of the Pakatan Harapan government.
Instead of retiring, Mahathir formed the Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang), in August, with several other former Bersatu members, including his son Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir.
Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu
If Mahathir was the father of modern Malaysia, then Lim was the father of modern Penang.
Showcasing dynamic leadership and tenacity, he transformed Penang from an agricultural-based economy to an industrial one. Lim brought massive foreign direct investment (FDI) to Penang.
However, Lim’s political career began at MCA. From being part of the now-defunct Radical Party, he joined MCA and successfully challenged Tun Tan Cheng Lock to become party president.
When his relationship with Tunku Abdul Rahman soured, he left MCA to form the United Democratic Party, and later formed Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia (Gerakan), a multiracial party.
He managed to lead Gerakan into winning control over Penang and remained as its chief minister from 1969 to 1990. Many Penangites remember Lim fondly and he was given a state funeral when he passed away on November 24, 2010.
Mohamad Sabu
Mohamad Sabu, better known as Mat Sabu, is a politician known for his fiery speeches and his no-holds-barred attitude. He was the face of PAS’ moderate faction and was once the party’s deputy president.
When conservatives seized leadership of PAS, Mat Sabu and other moderates in the party left to form Parti Amanah Negara.
They were eventually part of the PH coalition that came into power after GE14.
N. Gobalakrishnan
A long-time member of MIC, N. Gobalakrishnan defected from the party to join PKR during the Reformasi movement. He then rose through the ranks before eventually becoming party vice president and Padang Serai MP.
He later left PKR to become an independent when he realised he was not doing enough to highlight the plight of the Indian community, but was only helping Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to become prime minister.
He rejoined MIC in 2017. - The Vibes, September 28, 2020
