SHAH ALAM - Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama), a relatively low-profile political party founded a decade ago, has suddenly emerged into the national spotlight after former Cabinet ministers Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad took over its leadership yesterday.
The multiracial centrist party is now positioning itself as a new “third force” in Malaysian politics, aiming to attract urban voters dissatisfied with both the ruling coalition and traditional opposition blocs.
Its transformation came after the dramatic departure of several figures from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), setting the stage for what could become one of the country’s most closely watched political realignments ahead of future elections.
A party that began as a small splinter movement
Bersama, also known as the Malaysian United Party (MUP), was officially registered on Dec 2, 2016, in George Town, Penang.
The party was initially formed as a small splinter movement linked to members formerly associated with Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA). It was founded and led by Tan Gin Theam, who served as the party’s original president.
For years, the party remained relatively unknown in mainstream Malaysian politics. However, that changed significantly yesterday following a major leadership transition.
The party’s branding features blue and yellow colours. Under its new leadership, Bersama also unveiled a new logo featuring a “kancil” or mousedeer, which the party says represents an agile underdog capable of outsmarting larger political rivals.
Rafizi and Nik Nazmi’s political shift
The turning point for Bersama came during a public ceremony held at the PJ Performing Arts Centre yesterday, where Rafizi and Nik Nazmi officially assumed leadership of the party.
Rafizi previously served as economy minister while Nik Nazmi was former natural resources and environmental sustainability minister.
Their move followed internal tensions within PKR after both leaders lost during the party elections held in May 2025. The defeats were followed by their exit from the federal Cabinet, eventually culminating in their decision to leave PKR altogether.
To comply with Malaysia’s anti-party hopping law, both leaders vacated their parliamentary seats before joining Bersama. Rafizi relinquished the Pandan parliamentary seat, while Nik Nazmi stepped down as Setiawangsa MP.
Subang MP Wong Chen has also been linked to the movement.
Why is Bersama calling itself a ‘third force’?
Under its new leadership, Bersama has positioned itself as an independent political platform outside existing coalitions.
The party argues that many Malaysians are increasingly frustrated with both the current government and traditional opposition alliances, creating space for an alternative political force focused on policy-driven reforms and governance.
Among its key priorities are economic issues affecting ordinary Malaysians, particularly concerns surrounding the rising cost of living, wage stagnation and mismatches between education and employment opportunities.
The party also aims to present itself as a check-and-balance force within Malaysia’s political landscape, especially for urban and multiracial voters seeking alternatives beyond existing coalition politics.
Plans to contest elections independently
Bersama has indicated that it intends to contest elections independently rather than align itself with existing political coalitions. Its strategy is expected to focus heavily on urban constituencies and multiracial voter demographics nationwide.
The emergence of the party could potentially reshape opposition dynamics in Malaysia, particularly if more prominent political figures decide to join the movement in the coming months.
Although Bersama has existed since 2016, its recent takeover has effectively transformed it into a completely different political vehicle with new ambitions, leadership and national visibility.
With several experienced former ministers now at its helm, the party is attempting to brand itself as a reform-oriented alternative that sits between the traditional government-opposition divide.
Whether the party can genuinely establish itself as Malaysia’s next major political force remains to be seen, but its sudden rise has already sparked significant discussion about the country’s evolving political landscape ahead of future elections.