Established parties rely on fear to win votes, says Nik Nazmi
Established parties exploit fear tactics to sway voters, Bersama claims
Source: Free Malaysia Today · August 16, 2026 at 7:31 PM · AI-assisted report
PENANG, 17 AUGUST 2026 —
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Established parties exploit fear tactics to sway voters, Bersama claims
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PETALING JAYA, Aug 16 — Bersama leader Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad accused major political parties of relying on fear-based narratives to secure votes, warning that such tactics undermine Malaysia’s democratic process. Speaking at an event in Penang, Nik Nazmi alleged that the Democratic Action Party (DAP) and Umno frequently resort to "ghost stories" about potential outcomes if rival parties gain power. "DAP will say that if you vote for Bersama, PAS will become the government, or Umno will take power," he said. "Umno plays the same game. It says DAP will take power if the Malays are not united. That’s the game. Politics of fear."
Bersama co-leader Rafizi Ramli echoed these concerns, criticising established parties for prioritising race-based narratives over economic and social policies. He argued that DAP’s approach—particularly its framing of itself as the "last line of defence" for non-Malay voters—reinforces divisive politics. "DAP’s strategy will reinforce race-based politics because its narrative is about ‘us versus them’," Rafizi stated. Both leaders emphasised that Bersama aims to distance itself from these tactics, positioning the party as a reformist alternative focused on policy-driven governance.
The party’s leaders acknowledged that establishing credibility will take time, estimating it could take five to seven years for Bersama to build sufficient support to challenge Malaysia’s dominant political blocs. Nik Nazmi cited Penang’s electoral history as evidence of voters’ openness to change, referencing the 2008 state election when Pakatan Rakyat (now Pakatan Harapan) unseated Barisan Nasional. "In 2008, you voted for DAP and PKR. So our hope is that you will vote for us if you are tired of what is happening in Penang," he said.
Bersama’s critique comes amid growing public frustration with traditional parties, which have long dominated Malaysia’s political landscape. The party’s leaders framed their movement as a deliberate departure from the status quo, vowing to avoid the "mistakes of older political parties." However, analysts note that breaking into Malaysia’s entrenched two-coalition system presents significant challenges, particularly given the deep-rooted influence of race and religion in electoral politics.
For Malaysia’s business community, Bersama’s emergence could signal a shift in political discourse, particularly if the party gains traction in urban and middle-class constituencies. Rafizi’s criticism of DAP’s race-based strategies may resonate with voters seeking a more inclusive alternative, though the party’s long-term viability remains uncertain. Industry observers suggest that if Bersama succeeds in mobilising younger and undecided voters, it could disrupt the electoral calculus of both Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional.
Looking ahead, Bersama’s ability to sustain its reformist message will depend on its capacity to articulate clear policy alternatives beyond anti-establishment rhetoric. With Malaysia’s next general election expected within the next two years, the party’s timeline of five to seven years to build support appears ambitious. Whether voters will embrace a platform that rejects fear-based campaigning—and whether established parties will adapt their strategies—remains to be seen. Details not yet available on Bersama’s policy blueprint or grassroots mobilisation plans.
Related: Penang