Two more divisions of Malaysia's opposition Bersatu party announced their dissolution on February 17, accelerating the fragmentation of the political vehicle that brought former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to power.
The Jeli and Tanah Merah divisions in Kelantan became the latest to break away from the party, joining at least four other divisions that have dissolved in recent weeks. Together, the defecting divisions represent approximately 6% of Bersatu's 191 divisions nationwide, though the symbolic damage exceeds the raw numbers.
The party has hemorrhaged support since losing power in 2022, when Muhyiddin's fragile coalition government collapsed amid defections. Current Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has since consolidated power through a unity government that includes former rivals from the Barisan Nasional coalition.
Bersatu officials have not publicly addressed the dissolutions, but party insiders attribute the departures to both ideological disagreements and pragmatic calculations. Malaysia's political system rewards parties in government with access to development funds and patronage opportunities, creating strong incentives for politicians to align with the ruling coalition.
The fracturing also reflects deeper questions about Bersatu's identity. Founded in 2016 by Muhyiddin and former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad as a Malay-centric alternative to the scandal-plagued UMNO party, Bersatu rode anti-corruption sentiment to power in 2018. But the party's brief tenure was marked by internal divisions and its reliance on race-based politics alienated some supporters.
Analysts say the defections could accelerate if Bersatu performs poorly in upcoming state elections or if legal troubles mount for Muhyiddin, who faces corruption charges related to pandemic relief funds. Political survival in Malaysia often depends on rapid recalculation as power dynamics shift.
Ten countries, 700 million people, one region — and in Malaysia, party loyalty remains subordinate to the practical question of who controls government resources. Bersatu is learning that lesson division by division.
