KUALA LUMPUR: Plenty of fireworks and barb-trading could be expected when the 12th parliament convenes the first meeting of its third session on Monday.

The initial excitement on the first day could be sparked by the scheduled protest by a coalition of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and opposition parties against the implementation of the goods and services tax (GST).

In the past, protests were staged in or near the parliament house, so one can expect tighter security on the day.

Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (Permatang Pauh-PKR) may have to trade seats with DAP's Lim Kit Siang since PKR no longer has the largest number of seats in the opposition camp.

PKR started with 31 seats in the house, compared to DAP's 28 and PAS' 23. After three MPs left the party and another sacked, PKR has only 27 MPs to count on.

Nonetheless, as DAP and PAS have given their commitment to Anwar that he would remain the opposition leader, he may not have to trade seats as convention dictates, but he may have to endure endless criticisms from the government bench.

The royal address will be interesting as it will outline the government's policy for the coming year, and it is the first under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. Coming into a year as prime minister, much of Najib's thoughts and vision for the country would be reflective in the royal address.

Making a comeback is Gobind Singh Deo (Puchong-DAP), who has been suspended for a year since last March. Gobind was slapped with the year-long ban when he alleged that Najib was involved in a murder case. His outburst came about as Najib was replying to points raised during the debate on the stimulus packages.

Another MP who will cause some buzz is Datuk Bung Moktar Radin, who sent reporters into a frenzy at the last meeting trying to confirm his marriage to actress Zizie Ezette. His colleagues and reporters would no doubt corner him for a question or two.

Joining Datuk Ibrahim Ali (Pasir Mas), Datuk Chua Soon Bui (Tawau-SAPP) and Datuk Eric Majimbun (Sepanggar-SAPP) on the independent block are Tan Tee Beng (Nibong Tebal), Mohsin Fadzli Samsuri (Bagan Pinang), Zulkifli Noordin (Kulim Bandar Baru) and Datuk Seri Zahrain Mohamad Hashim, all formerly of PKR.

However, SAPP president Datuk Yong Teck Lee on Thursday, March 11, said both Majimbun and Chua would not be joining the independent block as they were not individual independents.

In past sittings, Ibrahim and Chua were active debaters, hence one may expect a louder independent bench, particularly as the new recruits would have much to say to both the government and opposition. Whether this group of independents will increase in number remains to be seen, as rumours of more MPs leaving PKR are still circulating.

The GST bill is expected to be read for the second time, which will enable MPs to debate on the matter. Already the opposition has started its roadshows to highlight its opposition to the GST. A heated debate is expected on the GST issue.

Also due for tabling are the amendments to the Internal Security Act (ISA), which are likely to raise the temperature a notch or two.

The meeting of representatives will go on until April 15, and hopefully the MPs would present more facts than sling mud across the floor of the august house.