Analysts have expressed concern about the potential impact of breakaway leaders forming new political movements, which could be 'spoilers' that fracture established vote banks and threaten the grip of major coalitions.
PETALING JAYA: The emergence of new political movements led by breakaway leaders is set to act as a “spoiler” that could fracture established vote banks, say analysts.
Political observers said the recent takeover of Parti Bersama Malaysia by former PKR veterans Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, as well as a new movement by sacked Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, could threaten the grip of major coalitions. They add that while these new vehicles may face an uphill battle to win seats outright due to a lack of grassroots machinery, their presence could disrupt the status quo.
Focusing on the impact on Pakatan Harapan, political analyst Datuk Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said Bersama’s logical targets are urban voters who are frustrated with the coalition but are unwilling to back Perikatan Nasional.
“In upcoming elections, Bersama might function more as a ‘spoiler’ rather than a party that immediately wins seats,” he said. Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Prof Azmi Hassan agreed that Bersama is targeting Pakatan’s core voters, similar to how Bersatu previously wooed dissatisfied Umno members. Prof Azmi noted that Hamzah’s political direction remains in limbo because his intentions to join Perikatan via a different party platform is still pending.
However, Hamzah and his supporters have enough weight to affect Perikatan as an Opposition coalition, he added. Political analyst Dr Mazlan Ali argued that Hamzah’s exit was more dignified as he remained loyal until he was sacked in February.
“Rafizi’s actions are seen as ignoring the people he represents, even though Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim never pressured him, unlike what Hamzah faced,” he said. He also cast doubt on Bersama’s electoral viability, noting that Rafizi’s influence is strictly limited to young, educated, urban professionals, while he is “completely rejected” by rural voters and the B40 group.
He likened Bersama’s uphill battle to that of Muda, which initially appeared formidable but lost all its contested seats and deposits during the 2023 six-state elections without Pakatan’s backing. Rafizi and Nik Nazmi officially took over Bersama – originally registered as the Malaysian United Party in 2016 – on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Perikatan deputy chairman Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man had said no discussions had been held regarding the entry of Hamzah and his supporters into the coalition. Earlier reports had named two parties – Parti Keluarga Malaysia and Berjasa – as being possible targets for a takeover by Hamzah and his group.
Political Movements Breakaway Leaders Major Coalitions Pakatan Harapan Perikatan Nasional Spoilers Uphill Battle Disrupt The Status Quo Focusing On Pakatan's Core Voters Nusantara Academy For Strategic Research Prof Azmi Hassan Dr Mazlan Ali Rafizi Ramli Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin Parti Bersama Malaysia Nusantara Academy For Strategic Research Senio
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