Malaysians are quick to embrace the latest trends — from long queues outside a newly opened café, to throngs at an iPhone launch, and netizens jumping on the newest viral dance craze.
So it is no surprise the same enthusiasm now surrounds Parti Bersama Malaysia, the political party recently taken over by former PKR leaders Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
Frustrated by the slow pace of reforms under the Madani government, many Malaysians see Bersama as the promise of change. The excitement is understandable, but it may also need tempering.
The changes introduced by the current unity government may be partial, yet they signal progress. Voters should not be too quick to abandon PH, because even these “partial” reforms under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s multi-coalition administration suggest the country is on the right track.
Despite criticism, Anwar has shown himself to be both progressive and reform-minded. Those who argue otherwise often lack experience in realpolitik, especially in navigating Malaysia’s complex race and religious dynamics.
Malaysians should not be swayed by pundits who speak from studios rather than the ground. It is akin to taking football tips from a commentator who has never managed a club.
Yes, reforms may feel slow, but Rome was not built in a day.
Decades of indoctrination cannot be undone overnight, and it will take time before Malaysians can fully embrace the reforms Anwar envisions. After all, it took PH and the Reformasi movement nearly 20 years to topple Barisan Nasional. If supporters could be patient then, why not now?
BN, too, should resist the temptation to abandon Anwar. In fact, despite occasional friction with DAP, Umno has benefited immensely from the Anwar–Ahmad Zahid Hamidi partnership.
In recent elections, Umno appears to have lost ground to PAS and Bersatu largely due to internal sabotage, but it has been steadily rebuilding its base.
Umno recently welcomed 10,000 new members and has leveraged initiatives like “Rumah Bangsa” and the influence of youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh to attract more Malays, its core constituency.
Still, Umno must do more to avoid alienating non-Malays. Addressing contentious issues such as the Unified Examination Certificate with clear terms could help bridge divides, satisfying both Malay and non-Malay voters.
Rivals PAS and Bersatu will undoubtedly weaponise such issues, but Umno should prioritise long-term gains over short-term wins.
Returning to Bersama, the buzz around a “new” party is healthy for democracy. But voters must look beyond the headlines.
The real question is not whether Bersama excites, but whether it can realistically deliver the reforms it promises — and how quickly.
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.