New party built around single figure risks struggling to expand appeal and sustain political relevance: Analyst

PETALING JAYA: Former PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli could be heading towards his boldest political gamble yet, with analysts divided over whether a new party built around him could reshape Malaysia’s political landscape or risk becoming another personality-driven movement struggling for survival.

Speculation over his next move intensified after he announced plans to defend the Pandan parliamentary seat in the next general election, but not on a PKR ticket.

The declaration has fuelled speculation that the former Economy minister could be forming or taking over another party as his new political vehicle.

Asia Group Advisors associate director Kamles Kumar said newly formed parties in Malaysia often struggle to advance beyond the prominence of their founders.

He also said Rafizi’s proposed political vehicle could face certain challenges that are similar to those experienced by the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda), which has largely revolved around its founding president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.

“New parties in Malaysia frequently revolve around a single personality, and Muda’s public visibility has been closely tied to Syed Saddiq.”

He added that unless Rafizi’s movement quickly develops a broader leadership structure and strong organisational machinery, it could encounter similar constraints.

“Without a broader leadership bench and a solid grassroots network, a party built around a single prominent figure risks struggling to expand its appeal and sustain political relevance over time.”

But Universiti Malaya Politics and Administration Department political scientist Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub said Rafizi’s potential party could differ significantly from Muda in character and foundation.

He said Muda’s identity has been closely intertwined with Syed Saddiq for a long time, making the party heavily dependent on his personal influence.

“In many ways, Muda is synonymous with Syed Saddiq and Syed Saddiq is synonymous with Muda.”

He noted that the party struggled to maintain a clear direction and supporter confidence when the leadership narrative surrounding its founder became uncertain.

“What we are witnessing is a situation in which the party’s supporters appear increasingly uncertain about its direction, particularly when Syed Saddiq is no longer perceived as firmly at the helm,” he said.

In contrast, Tawfik said Rafizi’s proposed political platform could be shaped more by policy orientation and performance rather than personal branding alone.

He added that Rafizi has built a reputation through his record in government and his consistent advocacy on issues affecting ordinary Malaysians.

“The new party that Rafizi is said to be forming with several of his colleagues appears likely to be anchored more on substance, particularly on his policy record during his time in government.”

He also said Rafizi has cultivated an image as a leader willing to criticise political leadership when necessary rather than aligning himself unquestioningly with party authority.

“He is often seen as part of a group that is prepared to question leadership decisions and maintain consistency in advocating for the interests of ordinary citizens.”

Meanwhile, Pacific Research Centre of Malaysia principal adviser Dr Oh Ei Sun said Rafizi’s proposed party could develop a broader leadership profile compared with other personality-driven movements.

He said influence within such a party could be more “dispersed” as several figures associated with Rafizi possess their own public standing.

“Personalities such as former Cabinet minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad already have their own level of public visibility, which could contribute to a more distributed leadership dynamic.”

Rafizi recently said a formal announcement on his political direction would be made in June.

The Pandan MP built his reputation over the years through whistle-blowing efforts and is widely seen as one of the key figures who helped Pakatan Harapan topple the Barisan Nasional government in the 2018 general election.

 The Sun Malaysia