PETALING JAYA: More disgruntled PKR lawmakers may defect to join former PKR heavyweights and ex-Cabinet ministers Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad’s party – Parti Bersama Malaysia, say political analysts.
Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said Rafizi and Nik Nazmi’s move to take over Bersama signals a new phase of political realignment, especially among reform-oriented leaders and supporters who may feel increasingly disconnected from PKR’s current direction.
“There is a possibility that several dissatisfied PKR figures could be drawn towards Bersama if the party manages to offer a clear ideological identity and a credible leadership narrative,” he said.
PKR is also expected to review the membership status of MPs who attended the political event involving Rafizi and Nik Nazmi.
Sivamurugan said PKR’s immediate concerns would be on internal unity, grassroots morale and potential vote fragmentation among urban and middle-ground voters.
“Malaysia’s political landscape may become more competitive and fragmented, particularly within the reformist bloc, ahead of the next general election,” he said.
Senior fellow at the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research, Dr Azmi Hassan, agreed that several PKR MPs could join the duo.
“While it is a bold move, it will be an uphill task if they are not able to attract more MPs to join their party,” he said.
He also cautioned that it would be challenging for the new party to go solo without political alliances or a coalition.
“It will need a strong ally, or else it may end up like Muda, which depended heavily on the popularity of its former leader and Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman when it was first established,” Azmi said.
Political analyst Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub said Rafizi and Nik Nazmi had their own influence within PKR, particularly among members who prefer a more reformist, technocratic and critical approach to the party’s current direction.
“It could create space for the emergence of a new political bloc aimed at attracting PKR supporters who feel disappointed or increasingly sidelined in the party.
“It is still difficult to predict how many disgruntled PKR MPs would follow them,” he said, adding that internal dissatisfaction is common in local politics, but not everyone is willing to leave a party that holds federal power.
In terms of PKR’s impact, Mohammad Tawfik said it could affect the party’s image of unity and potentially weaken internal cohesion.
