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THE nation’s newest opposition realignment is taking shape around a rejection of conventional political power structures, with Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) declaring that its future direction will prioritise reform and governance over leadership rivalries and personal ambition.
Newly installed Bersama figures Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the party intends to break away from the longstanding culture of political infighting that has traditionally accompanied the formation of new parties in the country.
Despite assuming influential roles within Bersama, both leaders stressed they were not seeking immediate elevation to positions such as party president or deputy president, arguing that political movements should not be consumed by internal contests before proving their value to voters.
“We are not interested in these positions. Many people join new parties and immediately fight to become president or deputy president, but we do not think that way,” New Straits Times quoted Rafizi saying.
The party, originally registered in 2016, is now being reshaped into what Rafizi described as a multiracial and open-platform political vehicle aimed at appealing beyond traditional party loyalties.
Rather than restructuring the organisation around individual personalities, Bersama’s leadership said it would retain an interim arrangement until the next general election while concentrating on policy development, electoral preparations and public engagement.
Although Rafizi and Nik Nazmi are expected to spearhead campaign efforts nationwide, both insisted that electoral leadership does not require formal dominance of the party structure.
Rafizi also confirmed plans to defend his Pandan parliamentary constituency, while Nik Nazmi intends to seek re-election in Setiawangsa during the coming national polls.
The former economy minister further sought to distance Bersama from leadership-centric politics by dismissing suggestions that either he or Nik Nazmi harboured ambitions to become prime minister.
“Because we are not burdened by power ambitions, we can make decisions with a clearer conscience and refuse to compromise on principles,” Rafizi said.
The duo argued that political relevance in the digital era is increasingly shaped by credibility, policy direction and public trust rather than party titles alone.
“In today's social media era, voters care more about candidates than party titles.
“If people start fighting for positions before an election, it serves little purpose,” Rafizi said.
Alongside electoral reform, Bersama indicated that institutional accountability would remain central to its political messaging, particularly concerning allegations involving former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki and claims linked to his alleged excess shareholdings.
Rafizi said the issue would continue to form a major component of the party’s reform agenda, adding that Bersama intended to ensure the controversy remained under sustained public scrutiny. - May 21, 2026
