Pundits pour cold water on PBM’s West Malaysia plans with Ronnie Liu

Analysts have dismissed Sarawak-based Parti Bangsa Malaysia's (PBM) plans to expand its presence in West Malaysia, questioning the impact such a move could have even with the involvement of former DAP veteran Ronnie Liu. Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara stated that PBM's association is primarily with Sarawak, and Liu's presence would not significantly alter this fact.

James Chin of the University of Tasmania argued that PBM is essentially a one-man show centered around its president, Larry Sng, and not a serious contender in West Malaysia. Azmi cited PBM's failed attempt in Sabah during the 2025 state election and Zuraida Kamaruddin's unsuccessful campaign in Ampang for the 2022 general election as evidence that the party struggles to gain a foothold in the peninsula's political landscape.

Liu announced his formal entry into PBM on Sunday with the goal of building up the party's presence and recruiting new members in West Malaysia. However, James Chin dismissed Sng's confidence that PBM could outperform Bersama, the new group of former PKR leaders, stating that smaller parties can easily be defeated. Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri of Global Asia Consulting said that while Liu's experience could be an asset, he faces a challenge in turning attention into actual votes for PBM.

Liu must prove that he is more than a political memory and still holds political currency, as well as establish a clear narrative and garner the people's support.