IN THIS week's vitriolic debate over poker machine reforms, which has sparked claims of death threats and smear campaigns, one key voice is missing.

Rob Oakeshott, the independent MP whose vote on the issue that could topple the Gillard government will be crucial, is trekking in the Malaysian jungle.

Cross-party trekkers: from left, shadow immigration spokesman Scott Morrison, independent Rob Oakeshott and Defence Materiel Minister Jason Clare in Malaysia.

The trip is part-sponsored by Clubs Australia, one of the main lobby groups behind a $20 million campaign against pokies reform. The sponsorship money is going to 12 students on a trek commemorating the infamous Sandakan death march in World War II.

Mr Oakeshott has paid his own way. But the MP is being heavily lobbied by the pubs and hotels industry. Three days before flying out on the trek, he met with clubs in his electorate and said he wouldn't do anything to harm their business.