PBM courts former police chief Ayob Khan for GE16
Parti Bangsa Malaysia said it is in talks with former Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay to contest Malaysia’s 16th general election.
Source: The Rakyat Post · August 20, 2026 at 9:01 PM · AI-assisted report
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KUALA LUMPUR, 21 AUGUST 2026 —
PBM Eyes Former Top Cop Ayob Khan for GE16 as DAP Eyes Solo Bid
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KUALA LUMPUR — Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) is actively pursuing former Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay to contest in the 16th General Election (GE16), while party information chief Ronnie Liu has indicated that the Democratic Action Party (DAP) may contest the polls independently.
The retired senior police officer concluded a nearly 35-year career with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) before his retirement.
PBM, a Sarawak-based party led by Julau MP Larry Sng, is seeking candidates with strong integrity credentials and public service experience to bolster its appeal ahead of GE16. The party was formerly known as Parti Pekerja-Pekerja Sarawak before its rebranding. Its leadership has faced internal challenges, including a dispute involving former Cabinet Minister and Ampang MP Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin.
Ronnie Liu, PBM’s information chief, emphasized the party’s focus on integrity as a core principle. “We really want candidates who are firm on matters of integrity because it is part of the foundation of our struggle,” he told Utusan Malaysia. “That is why PBM very much wants Ayob Khan to join us for GE16.”
The potential inclusion of Ayob Khan, a high-profile figure with decades of law enforcement experience, could enhance PBM’s credibility, particularly in Sarawak and among voters prioritizing governance and security. The party’s push for experienced candidates aligns with its broader strategy to position itself as a credible alternative in Malaysia’s evolving political landscape.
Meanwhile, Liu’s remarks on DAP’s potential solo contest suggest shifting alliances ahead of GE16. The DAP, a key component of Pakatan Harapan (PH), has historically relied on multi-party coalitions but may reconsider its strategy depending on electoral dynamics.
For Malaysia’s political landscape, PBM’s recruitment efforts signal intensifying competition for experienced leaders ahead of GE16. The party’s focus on integrity and public service experience may resonate in regions where governance and security are key voter concerns. Ayob Khan’s potential candidacy, if confirmed, could influence PBM’s electoral prospects, particularly in Sarawak.
The broader implications for Malaysia’s political parties remain unclear, as GE16 approaches. PBM’s strategy contrasts with traditional powerhouses like Barisan Nasional (BN) and PH, which have long dominated through established coalitions. With Ayob Khan’s potential involvement and DAP’s possible solo bid, the election may see unconventional alliances and independent strategies shaping the outcome.