Rafizi Says 75% Of BERSAMA Members Have No PKR Link, Rejects ‘Party Of Sore Losers’ Label

KUALA LUMPUR,June,2026 – Former economy minister and Parti Bersama Malaysia president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has dismissed claims that BERSAMA is a “party of sore losers” or merely a political home for disgruntled former PKR members.

Rafizi said 75 per cent of BERSAMA’s more than 20,000 members have no connection to Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), rejecting accusations that the newly launched party is made up mainly of people who were dissatisfied with PKR or the existing political establishment.

Speaking at a ceramah in Ipoh, Rafizi said critics of BERSAMA have so far relied on only a few repeated narratives, including the claim that the party is filled with people who were disappointed after losing influence in their previous political homes.

According to Rafizi, that criticism does not reflect the party’s actual membership profile. He said many BERSAMA members are new to politics and have never been linked to PKR, making the “sore losers” label inaccurate and unfair.

Rafizi’s remarks appear aimed at strengthening BERSAMA’s image as a fresh political platform rather than an offshoot of PKR. Since its launch on May 17, the party has faced scrutiny due to Rafizi’s long association with PKR and his previous role as one of the party’s most prominent figures.

The issue is politically sensitive because Rafizi’s departure from PKR and his move to build BERSAMA have created debate over whether the new party represents genuine political renewal or dissatisfaction among former party insiders.

Rafizi argued that Malaysia’s major political parties remain dominated by older leaders, making it difficult for younger voices to rise and participate meaningfully in national decision-making.

He warned that Malaysia could face negative consequences if political leadership continues to be controlled by figures who do not fully understand the needs, expectations and pressures faced by younger generations.

This youth-focused argument is central to BERSAMA’s political branding. The party is positioning itself as a platform for new leadership, younger candidates and members who may not feel represented by the country’s traditional political blocs.

Rafizi also defended his current political approach by describing it as a form of “kamikaze” politics, saying such a strategy was not new to him. He compared his current position with his earlier political battles against Barisan Nasional before the 2018 general election.

He said that if he had only prioritised personal comfort, he could have taken an easier political route during the period when Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was in prison. Instead, Rafizi said he chose to campaign across Malaysia against Umno, BN and former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, including over the 1MDB issue.

By raising his past role in the anti-BN campaign, Rafizi appeared to frame BERSAMA as part of a longer political struggle rather than a sudden reaction to internal party disappointment.

The statement also shows that Rafizi is attempting to counter two narratives at once. First, he is rejecting the claim that BERSAMA is simply a gathering place for former PKR members. Second, he is trying to present the party as a broader reform platform for younger Malaysians and politically unaffiliated citizens.

BERSAMA’s future will be tested soon as Malaysia prepares for the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections. Rafizi said the party will finalise its strategy and make announcements at the appropriate time.

In a separate report, Rafizi said BERSAMA aims to field 70 per cent of its election candidates aged under 50, including in the upcoming Johor and Negeri Sembilan polls. He also said the party wants to prioritise female representation and field capable women candidates from Malay, Chinese and Indian communities.

This candidate strategy supports Rafizi’s broader message that Malaysia needs younger and more diverse political leadership. If implemented, it would help BERSAMA distinguish itself from older, more established parties that are often criticised for relying on familiar senior figures.

Rafizi also said candidates would be selected based on suitability rather than gender or ethnicity alone, explaining that some seats may be more suitable for Malay candidates while others may be better suited to Chinese or Indian candidates.

The party’s decision to remain outside existing political coalitions also gives it flexibility to contest more seats, according to Rafizi. This suggests that BERSAMA may attempt to present itself as an independent alternative to both government and opposition blocs in the coming state contests.

However, remaining outside coalitions also carries political risk. Malaysia’s electoral system often rewards parties with strong machinery, established grassroots networks and coordinated seat negotiations. As a new party, BERSAMA will need to prove that it can convert public interest into actual votes.

The party’s early membership growth may give Rafizi some confidence. In another Malay Mail report, Rafizi said the party had attracted about 25,000 members and hoped to grow that figure to 50,000 if momentum continues.

Still, membership numbers alone may not guarantee electoral success. BERSAMA will need credible candidates, strong local campaigns, clear policy messaging and a convincing answer to why voters should support a new party instead of established coalitions.

Rafizi’s rejection of the “party of sore losers” label is therefore important for BERSAMA’s public image. If voters see the party as merely a breakaway platform for disappointed politicians, it may struggle to win wider support. But if BERSAMA can convince voters that most of its members are politically fresh and unaffiliated with PKR, it may have a stronger chance of building credibility.

The timing of Rafizi’s statement also matters. With Johor and Negeri Sembilan heading into election mode, every party is working to shape public perception before campaigning intensifies. BERSAMA’s challenge is to introduce itself quickly while defending against criticism from rivals.

For Rafizi personally, the statement is also a way to reframe his political comeback. Instead of being seen as a former PKR leader building a splinter movement, he is trying to present himself as a reform-minded politician creating space for younger Malaysians and new political participation.

Rafizi Ramli’s claim that 75 per cent of BERSAMA members have no PKR link is a direct attempt to push back against criticism that the party is made up of disgruntled former PKR members. His message is that BERSAMA is not a party of political leftovers, but a new platform for younger leaders, independent members and Malaysians seeking a different political direction.

The real test will come in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections, where BERSAMA must prove whether its early membership growth and youth-focused message can translate into meaningful electoral support.