Mujibu Muis of Universiti Teknologi Mara said the former PKR leaders, particularly Rafizi, might be seen as popular because of their experience in government, leadership roles in a major party, and image as strategic thinkers.
“However, the survival of a new party does not depend solely on the popularity of its leaders, but also on a combination of current issues, organisational strength, resources, grassroots networks, and the ability to build a narrative that resonates with voters,” he told FMT.
Yesterday, Rafizi and Nik Nazmi announced their departure from PKR and decision to vacate their parliamentary seats in Pandan and Setiawangsa respectively.
They also announced their takeover of Bersama, a party registered in Penang on Dec 2, 2016, positioning it as a third force and a check-and-balance agent.
Rafizi and Nik Nazmi resigned as economy minister and natural resources and environmental sustainability minister respectively in May 2025.
This was after Rafizi lost the contest for the PKR deputy presidency to Nurul Izzah Anwar. Nik Nazmi, his ally, also failed to retain his vice-president’s post.
Rafizi’s relationship with the PKR leadership reportedly turned strained, and he became increasingly vocal in criticising both the government and the party.
Mujibu said PKR and Pakatan Harapan (PH) would not be crippled by the departure of the two leaders, as they still possess party machinery, influence in the government, and a strong political brand.
However, he said the greater impact could be on public perception, particularly if Bersama succeeds in attracting middle-ranking leaders, activists, and reformist supporters who feel that PKR’s original ideals have faded.
He said Bersama, under Rafizi and Nik Nazmi, might have a chance of gaining support in urban areas such as Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, as well as semi-urban constituencies in Negeri Sembilan.
“However, I remain sceptical that the party can break through in states where politics is still heavily shaped by ethnic and religious identity, such as Kelantan, Terengganu, and much of the rural north of Peninsular Malaysia,” he said.
‘Political start-up’
Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri of Global Asia Consulting said Bersama risked becoming a “political start-up” that might appear fresh and appealing in its early stages, but could remain stunted without a strong grassroots machinery.
“Rafizi’s brand may attract smaller parties, progressive NGOs, and urban voters,” he said, adding that the development could split votes in mixed constituencies that have traditionally been PH strongholds.
He also described Bersama as the “disappointed offspring” of PKR’s failure to manage talent and differing views in the party.
Gentlemanly move or break from political past?
Commenting on the decision to vacate the Pandan and Setiawangsa seats, Zaharuddin said the move might appear “gentlemanly”, but could also be a political gimmick aimed at generating early momentum.
Mujibu, meanwhile, viewed it as a signal that Rafizi and Nik Nazmi no longer wished to rely solely on the PKR logo, but wanted to test whether support for them was rooted in their ideas, track record, and individual strengths.
“But it carries significant risks as they would lose an official platform in Parliament to raise public issues, challenge government policies, and maintain national political attention,” he said.