In January 2026, a Malaysian political analyst professor labelled an unlikely target as a “non‑entity” in national politics arguing the leader of a once‑prominent party had no real influence in today’s shifting power game. (Facebook) This provocative critique hit social media, stirred debate online, and ignited discussion in strategic circles because it touched on something deeper: the current relevance of Perikatan Nasional (PN) and its multi‑party coalition under leaders like Datuk Dr Dominic Lau Hoe Chai. (Malaysiakini)
For a party that once held a strong base among urban voters, Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia (Gerakan) under Dominic Lau’s leadership has struggled to make an electoral mark since joining PN. This inability has fuelled claims that Gerakan’s voice within PN is largely symbolic, and that Dominic’s role barely moves the needle in Malaysia’s political arena. Critics in both academic and political commentary spaces say Gerakan no longer carries the weight it once did. (Free Malaysia Today)
This article explores why Gerakan and Dominic Lau face such criticism, what it says about coalition politics in Malaysia, and how this fits into broader trends affecting voter behavior and political influence.
From Mainstream to Margin: Dominic Lau’s Political Journey
Dominic Lau has led Gerakan since 2018 and steered it into new territory after departing from Barisan Nasional in 2021 to join PN. (Wikipedia) Early in his presidency, Lau hoped to reposition Gerakan as a bridge party appealing to non‑Malay and non‑Muslim voters within a coalition dominated by ethnic Malay parties. (MalaysiaGazette)
However, critics note that Gerakan has not converted this strategic positioning into electoral success. Since leaving Barisan Nasional, the party has struggled to win seats or define a distinctive political footprint. Indeed, by many measures Gerakan’s performance remains modest compared with larger coalition partners like PAS and Bersatu, which dominate Malaysia’s rural and Malay electoral bases. (Free Malaysia Today)
This struggle aligns with broader realities in Malaysia’s electoral landscape. In the 2022 general election, no single party secured a parliamentary majority, and Malaysians voted along complex patterns shaped by local issues, identity politics, and coalition loyalties. (Gaexcellence) Under such conditions, smaller parties without deep grassroots machinery risk being overshadowed by better‑organised competitors.
Criticism Grows: ‘Invisible’ Influence and Internal Friction
Critics argue Gerakan’s limited influence shows in how PN allocates leadership roles and campaign resources. Analysis of Penang politics, where Gerakan was appointed PN chairman, sparked criticism that this decision appeared disconnected from voter sentiment given PN’s poor showing in previous elections there. (The Vibes) Opposition figures labeled the move as symbolic, pointing out that Penang voters repeatedly rejected PN at the ballot box.
Inside PN, voices have aired concerns about representation and leadership visibility. At a Pas convention in 2025, delegates openly criticised Dominic for allegedly failing to support Pas and Bersatu assembly members in Penang, suggesting internal coalition frustrations with his leadership. (MalaysiaGazette)
Opinion writers have been blunt. One wrote that Gerakan is “in no position to question allies” because it has contributed little to PN’s overall electoral success, describing the party as “missing in action” and political “baggage” unless it reconnects with voters beyond statements from the sidelines. (Focus Malaysia - Business & Beyond)
These critiques reflect a broader perception that Gerakan has not built a compelling voter base or shaped critical policy debates within the coalition, despite holding official positions. This perception weakens its negotiating power with partners who command stronger grass‑roots networks.
Analysing the Critique: Is It Fair?
To understand whether such criticism is fair, we must consider both Gerakan’s circumstances and the dynamics of Malaysian politics.
Gerakan’s historical shifts Once a competitive force in urban centres like Penang, Gerakan’s relevance declined after the 2008 general election. Its decision to leave Barisan Nasional, while bold, denied it the machinery and voter base that coalition offered, a setback still felt today. (GERAKAN)
PN’s electoral landscape PN remains competitive in certain districts, often on the strength of PAS’ rural support and Bersatu’s Malay nationalist appeal. Gerakan’s efforts to frame itself as a moderate, multi‑ethnic voice have not yet translated into broad electoral traction, partly because Malaysia’s electorate remains deeply divided along ethnic and rural‑urban lines. (Sinar Harian)
Coalition politics realities In coalition politics, smaller parties often play supporting roles. Critics say Gerakan has not leveraged its position to shape core PN policy or public narrative. However, supporters argue the party provides essential diversity to PN’s image, especially to voters uneasy with perceived ethnic majoritarianism. This role may not show up immediately in vote counts but can shape long‑term coalition branding.
Instead of dismissing the party outright, some observers suggest that Gerakan needs a strategic overhaul. This includes building grassroots networks, reclaiming a clear ideological identity, and articulating policy positions that resonate across Malaysia’s diverse communities.
Voices from Within and Beyond
Experts offer different takes on Gerakan’s situation. One political analyst contends that coalitions are inherently uneven and that smaller partners must craft niches where they add distinct value. This may involve focusing on specific policy arenas like education, economic inclusion, or youth engagement where dominant partners have less credibility. (Opinion based on political analysis trends.)
Another perspective highlights the importance of electoral performance. Critics say a party’s influence should be judged by votes won and seats secured. By this measure, Gerakan’s past electoral results are underwhelming. Yet, supporters argue that vote share is not the only indicator of influence, as policy shaping and coalition negotiation also count.
What Gerakan Could Do Next
Looking ahead, Gerakan under Dominic could pursue several practical strategies to address the critique of “no influence”:
Rebuild grassroots presence
Focus on local councils and community engagement to gain authentic voter trust.
Define clear policy messaging
Prioritise issues like job creation, education reform, and economic inclusion that appeal across ethnic lines.
Forge visible leadership roles
Secure leadership in PN task forces or committees with public visibility to demonstrate influence beyond formal titles.
Engage youth and urban voters
Create platforms that resonate with younger Malaysians concerned about jobs, housing, and civic freedoms.
These steps would help transition Gerakan from being seen as a peripheral partner to a proactive political force.
What do you think? I’d love to hear your opinion in the comments section.
Dominic Lau and Gerakan face a paradox. They hold formal positions in a significant coalition yet wrestle with perceptions of limited influence. This discourse reflects broader themes in Malaysian politics: shifting voter loyalties, ethnic divides, and the challenge of defining relevance in a crowded political arena.
Whether Gerakan can reinvent itself depends on its ability to connect with voters and clarify its role within PN. Without tangible policy success and grassroots momentum, criticism of minimal influence may persist.
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