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Two key allies of Malaysian PM Anwar turn opponents, launch new party

The breakaway renews concerns over whether the prime minister can push through reforms as costs, risks rise

Tan Ai Leng
Published Mon, May 18, 2026 · 02:36 PM
    • Bersama founder Tan Gin Theam (right) hands over a mock registration certificate for the party to Rafizi Ramli (middle) and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad on May 17.
    • Bersama founder Tan Gin Theam (right) hands over a mock registration certificate for the party to Rafizi Ramli (middle) and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad on May 17. PHOTO: TANG CHIAN HUEY

    [KUALA LUMPUR] The departure of two former Cabinet ministers from Malaysia’s ruling party is unlikely to topple Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s government, but it could renew doubts over his ability to push through reforms in a politically charged climate, said analysts.

    Once seen as one of the key strategists behind Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), Rafizi Ramli is now charting a new political path outside the party, betting that growing voter frustration with the unity government can translate into support for a fresh political platform.

    The former economy minister, who was also PKR deputy president, announced on Sunday (May 17) that he and former natural resources and environmental sustainability minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad would take over the Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) as their new political vehicle, while urging supporters to join the party.