Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar faces party defections as new Bersama party gains momentum

A wave of defections from the People’s Justice Party (PKR) to the newly formed Malaysia United Party (Bersama) is putting pressure on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Former economic minister Rafizi Ramli, who now leads Bersama, announced that the party has received more than 18,000 membership applications, about a third of which are former PKR members. While the law bars MPs from switching parties while in office, the loss of rank‑and‑file members raises concerns that Anwar could lose legitimacy and be forced into a snap election.

Analysts say the defections reflect broader fragmentation ahead of Malaysia’s next general election (GE16). Rafizi predicts a “free‑for‑all” contest, with no alliances for Bersama, while major parties such as UMNO and Pakatan Harapan consider going solo in upcoming state polls. Anwar has indicated he is prepared to call an early election if coalition partners feel the need, highlighting the growing uncertainty in the country’s political landscape.