22-Year-Old Law Student Makes History As Malaysia's Youngest Elected MP

Prabakaran made Malaysian history when he became the youngest candidate ever to contest in an election.

He contested as an independent in a four-cornered fight against Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Datuk Dr Dominic Lau, PAS candidate Azhar Yahya, and another independent candidate Datuk Panjamorthy Muthusamy, and got 38,125 votes — winning with a 24,438-majority votes.

The young man created another record as his victory means that he’ll be the youngest MP ever in Malaysian history at the age of 22 and 3 months.

Previously, Barisan Nasional (BN) leader Datuk Seri Najib Razak held the record for 42 years as he won the seat left vacant by his father's demise in 1976. Najib was just five months shy of his 23rd birthday then.

The PKR vice-president, who was disqualified from contesting in the Batu parliamentary seat on nomination day, backed the independent candidate after the Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled on 4 May that it has no jurisdiction to hear Tian Chua's suit on his disqualification.

"He is young, energetic, and idealistic. We hope to groom him to be an activist. We hope he will uphold the spirit of justice as held by PKR. We also want to encourage youth participation in the party," Tian Chua said then, as reported by theSun. 

Following Tian Chua's announcement on the endorsement, Prabakaran made appearances at Pakatan Harapan (PH) ceramahs during the campaigning period. He also shared a stage with PH chairman Tun Dr Mahathir on one occasion.

Meanwhile, it was reported that Prabakaran has not revealed if he would join Pakatan Harapan or remain an independent MP.

When contacted by Malay Mail on 9 May, Prabakaran said, "Soon, I will let you know (of his decision)." It was also reported that he "politely declined to speak any further on the matter when asked".