Malaysia's PM Anwar Ibrahim's Position Threatened by Former Protégé's Defection

Political pressure on Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has intensified following the defection of his protégé, who was widely seen as his successor, to form a new party. This comes as Malaysia potentially faces an early general election this year. Former Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli, once considered a potential successor to Anwar, announced earlier this month his departure from Anwar’s People’s Justice Party (PKR) to lead the newly formed Malaysia United Party (Bersama). According to Reuters, Bersama has received over 18,000 membership applications, with approximately one-third coming from former PKR members. Although most defectors are grassroots members or local officials, the numbers have raised doubts about Anwar’s ability to maintain power should the ruling coalition’s fractures deepen. Malaysian law prohibits parliamentarians from switching parties while in office. This situation could force Anwar to call an election earlier than the expected 2028 date. Earlier this month, he stated he would consider an early poll if internal divisions within his government continue to widen. On Thursday, PKR MP and long-time Anwar supporter Hassan Abdul Karim said he had given up trying to stop party members from leaving, accusing PKR leaders of failing to address members’ concerns. ‘Though still believing in PKR, the party is now wounded, hurt, and critically injured,’ Hassan said. Speaking to Reuters, Hassan said Bersama could gain significant electoral support from swing voters, young people, and those prioritising economic issues. ‘If more PKR MPs supporting Rafizi leave the party, Anwar will lose his legitimacy as prime minister,’ he added. Anwar’s office has not responded to requests for comment on the reports. Meanwhile, PKR Secretary-General Fuziah Salleh, who is also a deputy minister, denied a mass exodus from the party. ‘There is no mass exodus of PKR members joining Bersama,’ Fuziah told Reuters. Government spokesperson and PKR communications chief Fahmi Fadzil this week dismissed concerns over member defections, noting that 5,000 people had joined the party in the past two months, bringing total membership above one million. Anwar has been in power since November 2022, following over two decades as an anti-corruption opposition leader. While his government has improved political stability in the neighbouring country, his tenure has also faced scrutiny over unfulfilled anti-corruption pledges, slow institutional reforms, and growing tensions and defections within the ruling coalition.