Penganalisis ragui rancangan PBM bertapak di Malaysia Barat dengan Ronnie Liu

Former DAP leader Ronnie Liu declared his affiliation with the Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) led by Larry Sng on Sunday. In an analysis, Liu's involvement in the Sarawak-based PBM is deemed insufficient to make a significant difference despite Liu's management of the effort. Azmi Hassan from Nusantara Academy noted that Liu's presence would not bring substantial changes as PBM is more synonymous with Sarawak, while James Chin from the University of Tasmania stated that the party revolves around its president, Larry Sng.

Azmi pointed out the PBM's failure in its attempt to establish a presence in Sabah during PRN 2025, indicating that the party will continue to struggle to establish a name in the diverse political landscape of Malaysia Barat. Azmi also mentioned that Zuraida Kamaruddin, another former PBM leader, failed to retain her Penang parliamentary seat during the 2022 general election, which further questioned PBM's chances for success.

Liu announced his formal membership in PBM on Sunday, aiming to strengthen the party's presence and recruit new members in Malaysia Barat. Chin criticized the belief that Sng could achieve better results than Bersatu, a new party founded by former PKR leaders Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. He expressed his disappointment in Sng's confidence in PBM's ability to outperform both Bersatu and previous ruling parties.

Liu, a former right-wing DAP leader and former state exco member, stated that PBM is not based on ethnicity, is not a theocratic party, and hopes to become an alternative for voters dissatisfied with the current and previous governments. When asked about PBM's performance compared to Muda and Bersatu, Sng expressed confidence in the party's ability to surpass both parties and win several state and parliamentary seats.

Liu faces a challenge in proving PBM's political value in a dynamic and increasingly competitive political landscape. While his experience and history are assets, history without support at the moment only becomes nostalgia. Liu needs to prove that he still has political value, not just political nostalgia. A veteran politician can bring experience, networks, and media attention, but without a clear narrative and voter support, it may only generate publicity without political power.

PBM needs to define its political identity and target voter group. Why should the people choose it over a party with established name, structure, and stronger diversity? asked Zaharuddin.