Understanding the Frenemy Dynamic in Malaysian Politics
Political parties in Malaysia frequently act as cooperative partners on one political stage while operating as direct rivals on another. This duality stems from a mix of electoral arithmetic, mutual vulnerability, and the competing ambitions of parties fighting for the same voter bases.
Did you know?
The term “frenemy” in this political context describes parties that sit side-by-side in a unity government at the federal level while actively competing against each other during state-level polls, such as contests seen in Johor and Negri Sembilan.
The Shifting Alliances of Umno and PAS
The relationship between Umno and PAS demonstrates this transactional political reality. Before 2018, the two parties were fierce adversaries competing for the Malay-Muslim electorate. Following the Sheraton Move in 2020, they briefly sat together in the federal government under Prime Ministers Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob. However, by the 15th General Election (GE15) in 2022, that alliance fractured over seat allocations.
According to former Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, parties align when they feel vulnerable. In GE15, Perikatan Nasional secured 71 seats while Umno won 26. Nik Nazmi noted that Umno and PAS will inevitably clash because they target the exact same demographic, observing that when one is weak they cooperate, but when one is strong, they turn on each other.
Vulnerability and the Crisis Facing Bersatu
A similar pressure point affects Bersatu, which finds itself squeezed between an increasingly dominant PAS within Perikatan Nasional and the ruling Pakatan Harapan coalition. Nik Nazmi described Bersatu as facing an existential crisis. Having originally joined forces with Pakatan in 2017 to defeat Barisan Nasional in GE14, Bersatu now struggles for relevance in an overcrowded Malay political market, raising questions about whether the party might eventually seek a return to the Pakatan fold or act as a spoiler in future elections.
Managing Expectations Ahead of Future Polls
As parties navigate state polls—such as instructions from PAS for supporters to back Barisan in un-contested Johor seats to block Pakatan, or pragmatic seat negotiations in Negri Sembilan—voters are left to decipher whether these moves represent genuine strategy or political theatre. Nik Nazmi reflected that Pakatan should have initially framed its partnership with Umno as a one-term marriage of necessity rather than a permanent pact. Without clear early boundaries, both coalitions remain entangled in complex local arrangements while rivals still sit together in Cabinet meetings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a political “frenemy” in Malaysia?
A political frenemy refers to a party or coalition that acts as an ally in one political arena—such as the federal unity government—while competing aggressively as a rival in state elections.
How has the relationship between Umno and PAS evolved?
Umno and PAS shifted from fierce rivals before 2018 to brief federal partners after 2020, before fracturing again over seat allocations during GE15 in 2022 due to competing for the same voter base.
Why do political parties form temporary alliances?
Join the Conversation
How do you view shifting political alliances in Malaysia? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for ongoing political analysis.