Bersatu split gives rise to new party as Malaysia’s political landscape shifts ahead of GE16

The Parliament of Malaysia (file photo)

Commentary

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, June 13: The launch of Parti Wawasan Negara by former Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin marks the latest twist in Malaysia’s evolving political landscape ahead of the 16th General Election (GE16).

What began as the RESET movement following Hamzah’s expulsion from Bersatu has now evolved into a fully-fledged political party, adding another player to Malaysia’s increasingly crowded political landscape.

Yet the emergence of Parti Wawasan Negara is not merely a story about the birth of a new party. It is also a story about a changing opposition landscape, shifting political alliances and the growing jockeying for position as parties begin looking towards the next general election.

For years, Bersatu and PAS formed the backbone of Perikatan Nasional (PN), combining Bersatu’s leadership structure and parliamentary presence with PAS’ formidable grassroots machinery and loyal support base.

Together, they emerged as the strongest opposition bloc following GE15 and positioned themselves as the primary alternative to the current government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

However, recent developments suggest that the opposition landscape is no longer as straightforward as it once appeared.

The fallout within Bersatu, culminating in Hamzah’s expulsion from the party, exposed internal divisions that had largely remained behind closed doors. The formation of RESET soon followed, drawing attention after 19 Members of Parliament attended a gathering organised by Hamzah earlier this year, signalling that his influence extended beyond a small group of supporters.

The movement has since taken a significant step forward with the launch of Parti Wawasan Negara today, giving Hamzah and his allies a formal political platform heading into GE16.

The timing is particularly noteworthy. Parti Wawasan Negara’s debut comes amid the increasingly public separation between PAS and Bersatu earlier this week, ending a political partnership that had shaped opposition politics for much of the past decade.

The presence of PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang at the launch of Parti Wawasan Negara has inevitably fuelled speculation about future political alignments and whether Hamzah’s new party could eventually become a key partner for PAS moving forward.

Beyond questions of leadership and alliances, Parti Wawasan Negara’s emergence also raises another issue that political observers will be watching closely — the potential impact on Malay voter support.

With PAS, Bersatu and now Parti Wawasan Negara seeking influence within a broadly similar voter base, there is a possibility that support could become more fragmented, particularly in Malay-majority constituencies that have traditionally been battlegrounds for opposition parties.

At the same time, supporters of Parti Wawasan Negara may argue that the new party could attract voters who have become disillusioned with existing political options. Whether Parti Wawasan Negara ultimately expands the opposition’s reach or merely redistributes existing support could become one of the defining questions heading into GE16.

While such questions remain unanswered, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: the battle for leadership of the opposition space is far from settled.

In many ways, Parti Wawasan Negara’s arrival has introduced a new piece onto Malaysia’s political board. Whether it ultimately emerges as a kingmaker, a disruptor or merely another participant in an increasingly crowded field remains to be seen. What is certain is that every move from now until GE16 will be closely watched, not only by rivals but also by potential allies weighing their own political options.

For casual observers, these developments may seem like another chapter in Malaysia’s often unpredictable political story. But they are unfolding within a political landscape that has changed dramatically since GE15.

At the federal level, Anwar continues to lead the Unity government, a coalition bringing together Pakatan Harapan (PH), Barisan Nasional (BN), Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and several other parties.

The coalition itself remains one of the most remarkable outcomes in recent Malaysian political history. Parties that once campaigned fiercely against one another now sit within the same administration, united by a shared commitment to political stability after years of turbulence and changing governments.

As GE16 gradually comes into view, each major political bloc faces its own challenge.

For PH, the focus will be on defending its record in government and convincing voters that it has delivered meaningful results after years spent campaigning for reform.

For BN, and particularly United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), the challenge remains rebuilding public confidence after a decade marked by electoral setbacks and shifting voter loyalties. Although the coalition remains part of the federal government, questions persist over how it intends to reclaim the political dominance it once enjoyed.

On the opposition side, the questions are arguably even more pressing. Can Bersatu remain relevant after losing one of its most prominent leaders and a significant group of supporters? Can PAS maintain its position as the country’s most influential opposition party while charting a new political course? And can Parti Wawasan Negara transform early momentum into a credible national political force?

The answers may only become clear as GE16 draws nearer.

For Sarawak, however, the political equation differs somewhat from that in Peninsular Malaysia.

GPS remains the dominant political force in the State and continues to occupy a unique position within the national political landscape. As a key partner in the Unity government, GPS has largely avoided the internal struggles currently affecting many Peninsular-based parties while continuing to focus on issues such as the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), fiscal rights and greater autonomy for Sarawak.

At the same time, GPS’ role in federal politics has become increasingly significant.

The experience of recent elections has demonstrated that Putrajaya can no longer be won through Peninsular Malaysia alone. Parliamentary support from Sarawak and Sabah has become a critical factor in determining who forms the federal government, making East Malaysia an increasingly important battleground in the nation’s political calculations.

As GE16 approaches, Parti Wawasan Negara may be the newest name on Malaysia’s political map.
But the larger story extends far beyond the launch of a single party. Across the political spectrum, parties are reassessing alliances, rebuilding support and repositioning themselves for the next electoral contest.

The split within Bersatu may have given birth to a new party, but it has also highlighted a broader reality: Malaysia’s political board is being rearranged once again. As old alliances weaken and new partnerships emerge, the road to GE16 is shaping up to be far more complex than many had anticipated. — DayakDaily