The decision by Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad to leave PKR and establish Parti Bersama Malaysia could ultimately benefit Perikatan Nasional (PN), according to political analysts.
Political scientist Syaza Shukri of International Islamic University Malaysia said Bersama’s appeal to progressive voters could split the non-Malay vote and potentially create an advantage for PN, particularly in mixed constituencies.
She said attention in these constituencies, commonly regarded as Pakatan Harapan (PH) strongholds, would likely shift towards Malay voter support.
“PN’s best bet is to focus on Malay voters. If they can secure a good share of the Malay vote, that might be enough in marginal seats, where the other parties would split the non-Malay or so-called liberal voters,” she said.
PN expected to focus on Malay support
Syaza said PN’s existing support base remains largely Malay, making efforts to aggressively court non-Malay voters less practical.
She added that while some Indian voters might support PN, Chinese voter backing for the coalition was unlikely.
According to her, another major priority for PN would be securing post-election cooperation, particularly with Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and even Barisan Nasional.
She said a hung parliament was widely expected in the next general election, making post-election alliances critical in determining the formation of the federal government, similar to developments following the 2022 general election.
“I think the way to woo BN is straightforward, just play the Malay card. But when it comes to GPS, the question is what can PN realistically offer to secure its support and whether GPS chairman Abang Johari Openg can withstand internal pressure not to work with PAS,” she said.
Bersama targeting progressive voters
Earlier this week, Rafizi said Parti Bersama Malaysia was targeting the same progressive-minded voters who currently make up the core support base of PH.
He claimed the group represented between 35% and 40% of the electorate and said Bersama intended to provide both progressive and younger voters with an alternative political choice.
Meanwhile, political analyst Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid of Universiti Sains Malaysia said PN should adopt a more inclusive image and widen its appeal if it hopes to gain the support of GPS and GRS.
He said former opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin and several former Bersatu MPs aligned with him appeared aware of this need, pointing to narratives promoted through the Reset movement.
“PN should focus on broadening its appeal beyond the traditional Malay heartlands. This includes, of course, its relationships with both GRS and GPS,” he said.
PN still banking on Malay-majority seats
Fauzi said PN was expected to continue relying heavily on Malay support in its effort to capture more Umno strongholds and strengthen its position in Malay-majority constituencies.
In the 15th general election, PN secured 74 parliamentary seats, with PAS contributing 43 seats, the highest won by a single party.
Bersatu won 31 seats but currently holds 19 following a series of defections and the removal of several opponents of Muhyiddin Yassin, including Hamzah.
Despite the changes, PN continues to maintain strong Malay support in northern and east coast states, while also making gains in Penang, Perak, Pahang, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, which are currently governed by PH and Barisan Nasional.
