Various quarters have criticised Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) for its decision to offer associate membership to the non-bumiputera, a move said to be discriminatory.

However, Merdeka Center programme director Ibrahim Suffian does not think that Bersatu had shot itself in the foot with the move.

Ibrahim pointed out how the new party was formed with the purpose of taking on Umno.

Thus, it was only natural for it to be seen as a party that will cater to a specific segment of the electoral market - a party particularly meant for the Malay political spectrum.