In Malaysia, voter anger fuels a third force against Anwar

Malaysian politics is characterized by animosities and the latest example is the rise of a new political party, Bersama, led by Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. The party, formed less than three months ago, is challenging Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's People’s Justice Party (PKR) and the governing coalition, Pakatan Harapan (PH).

Rafizi, previously deputy president of PKR, has built a reputation for his data-driven attacks and viral messaging. Nik Nazmi, co-leader of Bersama, believes PKH has lost its way and is not true to its ideals. The new party aims to provide solutions for today's era rather than dwelling on the past.

Bersama attracted another PKR defector, Wong Chen, a three-term MP who resigned from Anwar's party in late August. This move could be particularly damaging for the ruling PH coalition, which has recently lost state elections to the opposition Barisan Nasional.

During its first electoral outing in Johor, Bersama performed well, winning a seat that had long been considered safe for PH. However, some analysts argue that the party's success is not necessarily a sign of strength, but rather a reflection of the weakness of PKR.

While Bersama may not yet have a sustainable political vision, it has already proven itself to be a formidable spoiler. Political analyst Azmi Hassan believes that even if Bersama does not win seats, its presence can still have a significant impact on PH's electoral prospects.

For now, Bersama appears focused on building its brand and expanding its influence, rather than challenging the governing coalition directly. However, if it can successfully evolve beyond being simply PKR minus the parts Rafizi dislikes, it may be well-positioned to assert itself within Malaysia's political landscape in the next few years.