Bayan Baru MP Zahrain Hashim is firmly against several of Barisan Nasional's contentious policies, but is warming up to the coalition's 1Malaysia concept.

Zahrain, who quit PKR and declared himself an Independent on Feb 12, said he believes that, if implemented properly, the 1Malaysia concept can forge ties in multi-ethnic Malaysia.

zahrain hashim parliament 150310 "Give the premier a chance to implement 1Malaysia for national unity," he told reporters at the Parliament lobby, after attending the opening of the third session of the 12th Parliament.

He is one of three MPs who resigned from PKR and declared themselves Independent. They were recently joined by Kulim Bandar Baru MP Zulkifli Noordin who was sacked by the party.

Observers were quick to blame Umno for having had a hand in the three resignations, but the party has cautiously avoided courting them openly to avoid accusations that it had bought over the trio.

Zahrain told reporters that it does not matter which party he belongs to, and promised to uphold the trust placed in him by his constituents.

As such, he said he still stands against the Internal Security Act (ISA), Goods and Services Tax and BN's decision to deny the Kelantan government its share of oil royalty.

"I do not agree with policies that burden the people, but I won't oppose just for the sake of doing so," he said.

Caucus a 'good idea'

On the suggestion for an Independent parliamentarian caucus, Zahrain said this is a good idea because it would allow those with divergent views to present common principles.

malaysia parliament parlimen Thus far, discussions with "one or two" MPs have received positive responses, said Zahrain.

"I hope I can make some kind of announcement on this soon," he said.

Asked if more opposition MPs would follow in his footsteps, Zahrain said he has met many of them and has received mixed responses.

"I didn't persuade them to quit the party. That is their prerogative. I have my own agenda which is to perform my duty as a MP," he said.

In an apparent attempt to influence his former colleagues, Zahrain said he has more "freedom" now and can perform his duties better since he is no longer bound by the party line.

Zahrain also dismissed reports that more than 2,000 of his constituents have signed a petition urging him to vacate his seat. He claimed that only about 1,000 of the signatures are genuine.