Analysts say the biggest challenge in uniting independent MPs in Parliament to form a so-called third wave or third force lies in reconciling their diverse political agendas.
Such a bloc would find it hard to gain mainstream traction without support from major parties and sufficient financial resources, limiting its ability to fulfil promises and bring development to constituencies.
Common Ground Limited to Dissatisfaction
Tawfik Yaakub from Universiti Malaya noted that MPs who lost party membership through expulsion or other means share little beyond dissatisfaction with their former parties, leaders, or internal struggles.
“It would be difficult to unite them under a single platform with aligned views, and they would eventually split,” he told FMT.
“Their voices are already fading in the national political arena,” the analyst added.
Bukit Gantang MP Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal last week expressed readiness to lead efforts to bring independent MPs together into a third wave bloc.
The former Bersatu MP said this would offer voters an alternative amid growing fragmentation caused by party infighting.
His proposal follows recent developments in Bersatu, including the expulsion of deputy president Hamzah Zainudin, who also serves as opposition leader.
Hamzah is reported to have the support of 18 Bersatu MPs.
Historical Context and Past Alignments
In 2023, six Bersatu MPs declared support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim: Syed Hussin, Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan), Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang), Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), and Zulkafperi Hanapi (Tanjong Karang).
During the 15th general election, only two candidates succeeded on independent tickets: Riduan Rubin (Tenom) and Verdon Bahanda (Kudat).
Lessons from Neighbouring Countries
Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri of Global Asia Consulting said an independent bloc lacking shared ideology and vision would be vulnerable to fragmentation under pressure or offers from better-resourced major parties.
He pointed out that the number of independent MPs in Malaysia’s Parliament has historically remained small, with many eventually joining established parties.
In Indonesia, independent candidates have appeared at local levels but rarely sustain themselves without major party backing.
In Thailand, the independent MP trend similarly concluded with alignments to party coalitions due to requirements for funding and organisational support.
“Both examples show that while an independent bloc can serve as a balancing voice, it is unlikely to become a dominant mainstream force,” Zaharuddin said.
