Established parties trade on fear to cling to power, Bersama co-leader says

PENANG, 17 AUGUST 2026 —

KUALA LUMPUR — Established political parties in Malaysia are relying on scare tactics rather than policy substance to secure votes, Bersama co-leader Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said on Tuesday.

Nik Nazmi, who serves as Bersama’s co-leader alongside Rafizi Ramli, criticised the Democratic Action Party (DAP) and Umno for using divisive narratives. He alleged that DAP warns voters that supporting Bersama could lead to a PAS or Umno government, while Umno claims that voting for DAP risks non-Malay dominance if Malay unity falters. “That’s the game. Politics of fear,” he said.

Rafizi echoed these concerns, arguing that race-based narratives—particularly DAP’s framing of itself as the “last line of defence” for non-Malays—perpetuate ethnic divisions rather than addressing economic concerns.

Bersama, a relatively new political force, has positioned itself as an alternative to Malaysia’s entrenched parties. Nik Nazmi emphasised the party’s commitment to avoiding the mistakes of older coalitions, stating that Bersama aims to gain power “the right way.” He acknowledged that building support would take time, estimating it could take five to seven years for the party to challenge the dominance of major players.

Drawing on Penang’s political history, he highlighted the state’s tradition of embracing change, citing the 2008 election when Pakatan Rakyat ousted Barisan Nasional.

The remarks come amid ongoing debates over Malaysia’s political landscape, where race and religion often dominate electoral strategies. Bersama’s leadership has framed its approach as a departure from traditional politics, focusing on policy-driven governance rather than fearmongering. However, the party’s long-term viability remains untested, with analysts questioning whether voters will shift allegiance from established coalitions.

For Malaysia’s political observers, the rise of Bersama reflects broader dissatisfaction with the status quo. While the party’s leaders express optimism about gradual growth, the challenge lies in translating their vision into tangible electoral support. Penang, a state known for its progressive politics, may serve as a testing ground for Bersama’s appeal. Yet, with major parties still dominating the national stage, the path to meaningful change remains uncertain.

The party’s ability to sustain momentum will depend on its capacity to mobilise voters beyond fear-based appeals and deliver concrete solutions to economic and social issues.

Related: Penang