SHAH ALAM - The presence of 71 registered political parties in Malaysia reflects a highly fragmented but structurally competitive political landscape, though analysts say only a small number play a meaningful role in shaping national electoral outcomes.
Political observers note that while party proliferation is often viewed as fragmentation, it does not necessarily weaken democratic processes, as weaker parties tend to phase out naturally over time due to lack of electoral support.
International Islamic University Malaysia political analyst Associate Professor Dr Syaza Shukri said the existence of many political parties should not automatically be interpreted as unhealthy for democracy.
“From my perspective, although Malaysia reportedly has 71 registered political parties, only a small number are genuinely influential in the political landscape. Many others, including some in Sabah and Sarawak are unlikely to even retain their deposits in elections.
“However, I do not see this level of fragmentation as inherently problematic from a democratic standpoint, as political competition is a normal part of a healthy system.
“Over time, parties that fail to remain electorally relevant tend to fade naturally through what can be described as a process of political ‘natural selection’,” she told Sinar Daily.
Syaza estimated that only about 20 political parties in Malaysia are meaningfully active, while the rest function more like pressure groups rather than fully operational political organisations.
She also explained that while forming a political party in Malaysia is legally straightforward, sustaining it politically is the real challenge.
“Legally, forming a political party in Malaysia is relatively straightforward in principle, as any group can apply to register with the Registry of Societies (RoS) if they meet the required conditions and submit the necessary documentation.
“However, the real challenge lies not in registration, but in whether the party can gain political traction and sustain relevance within a competitive electoral environment.
“In situations such as Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad taking over Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama), the process typically involves negotiations with the existing leadership to assume control of the party structure.
“Once an agreement is reached, the change is formally submitted to the Ros to ensure compliance with the party’s constitution. The main strategic advantage of taking over an existing party, rather than forming a new one, is that it saves time by bypassing the lengthy process of establishing a party from scratch,” she said.
Political analyst Dr Oh Ei Sun offered a slightly different view, estimating that only about half of Malaysia’s 71 registered political parties are actively functioning, while the rest are relatively dormant or inactive in practice.
He added that around half of these parties are operational in real terms, with the remainder not playing an active role on the ground.
“However, I do not necessarily view this level of fragmentation as detrimental to electoral democracy.
“A larger number of political parties can, in fact, broaden political representation and provide voters with more choices, which is not inherently negative in a democratic system,” he said when contacted.
On regulatory matters, Oh said registered political parties are required to comply with basic administrative obligations under RoS, including submitting necessary documentation and holding regular general meetings.
He said as long as these requirements are fulfilled, parties are generally not subject to regulatory action.
He added that the formation of a political party follows established procedures and is not overly difficult, provided that all stipulated conditions are met.
“While there are formal requirements to follow, the process is not necessarily overly difficult provided all conditions are properly met.
“In situations such as Rafizi and Nik Nazmi taking over Bersama, the usual procedure involves first joining the existing party and then, with the consent of the current leadership, being integrated into its leadership structure.
“This can be carried out through formal mechanisms such as an extraordinary general meeting,” he said.
Malaysia’s major political parties
Malaysia’s political landscape continues to be dominated by several established parties and coalitions, including:
- Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)
- Democratic Action Party (DAP)
- Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah)
- United Malays National Organisation (Umno)
- Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA)
- Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC)
- Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu)
- Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (Pas)
- Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda)
- Parti Warisan (Warisan)
- Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM)
- Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM)
- Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS)
- Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS)
- and several other smaller state-based and issue-based parties.
The discussion on party fragmentation has gained renewed attention following developments on May 17, when Bersama rose to prominence after Rafizi and Nik Nazmi took over its leadership, positioning it as a potential “third force” in Malaysian politics ahead of future elections.
Bersama, a relatively low-profile political party founded a decade ago, has suddenly emerged into the national spotlight after former Cabinet ministers Rafizi and Nik Nazmi took over its leadership on Sunday.