Rafizi: Bersama supporters will 'slaughter' me if party joins coalition

N Faizal GhazaliPublished: Oct 31, 2026 6:09 PM

MALACCA POLLS | Bersama co-leader Rafizi Ramli has joked that his party’s supporters would “slaughter” him if it joined a political coalition, arguing that voters are growing tired of alliances driven by the pursuit of power.

“I think if Bersama suddenly decides to join or hold discussions with a coalition, these people (supporters) will slaughter me.

“So the...

“I think if Bersama suddenly decides to join or hold discussions with a coalition, these people (supporters) will slaughter me.

“So the political situation in Malaysia right now is chaotic because of coalitions, and these coalitions are formed on supposedly pragmatic grounds to gain power,” he told reporters while accompanying Bersama’s Bukit Katil candidate Aliza Che Amran today.

Bersama is contesting 16 seats independently in the Nov 14 Malacca state election, despite failing to win any seats in its electoral debut in Johor in July.

All 15 of its Johor election candidates lost their deposits after failing to secure at least 12.5 percent of the votes cast in their respective constituencies.

Johor State election 2026 PRN pilihan raya negeri campaign wars flags and party banners 030726 bersama flag bendera generic

The party subsequently sat out the Aug 1 Negeri Sembilan election, citing time and resource constraints, and the intense contest between Pakatan Harapan and BN, to focus its efforts on Malacca.

Taking people’s support for granted

Rafizi said the growing number of political coalitions had confused voters, while parties appeared to take public loyalty for granted.

“What the public sees is this political chaos, which actually confuses everyone.

“Bersama is taking a risk because conventional wisdom says everyone must be part of a coalition.

“But I feel political parties are also overly confident that the people will somehow stay with them forever,” said the former PKR deputy president.

johor election polling day 11072026 SK Taman Molek, Puteri Wangsa voting generic

He argued that voters would eventually reject such political arrangements in favour of parties willing to stand on their own principles.

“When the time comes, the people will get fed up and start looking for an antithesis to what is happening.

“The antithesis to this ongoing political confusion is a principled party that is brave enough to go in alone and stick to its own principles,” he said.

The Malacca state assembly was dissolved on Sept 23, with polling set for Nov 14 and early voting on Nov 10.

In the 2021 state election, BN won 21 of the 28 seats, while Harapan secured five and Perikatan Nasional two.

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No way Bersama can function effectively without joining hands. Standalone party cannot gain support. Even BN had to partner MIC MCA and UMNO plus plus. to be effective to be the government of the day. In fact MUDA shd join hand with bersama plus PH

Un01:25 PM, 01 Nov 2026

Mkini, one has to send comment for deliberation baru we can see all others??? Why Mkini ?? Why keep changing format??

Mano01:21 PM, 01 Nov 2026

Mkini, I am a subscriber . To view other comments pun susah. Please bring back the previous format

Mano01:20 PM, 01 Nov 2026

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Un01:25 PM, 01 Nov 2026

Mkini, one has to send comment for deliberation baru we can see all others??? Why Mkini ?? Why keep changing format??

Mano01:21 PM, 01 Nov 2026

Mkini, I am a subscriber . To view other comments pun susah. Please bring back the previous format

Mano01:20 PM, 01 Nov 2026

I suppose many will have to stop subscribing after due date before they realise their folly. My end date is March 27. There is a note about getting feedback but so far nothing has improved.

HJ Angus09:21 AM, 02 Nov 2026

In today’s political environment, most parties form or join a broader coalition in order to form a government to provide governance. It is one thing to be idealistic but another to be pragmatic and effective. The exception is forming a coalition based on race or religion. I rather see a coalition of moderate parties than an extremist coalition based on race or religion. Malaysians are matured sufficiently to understand such a coalition of moderate parties is preferable and positive to the economic growth and good governance of this country. People consist of different races, religions, ideals, economic objectives, principles and so forth. Sometimes, it is necessary to have compromises to move forward. Bersama, MUDA, DAP, etc will do better moving forward, including electorally. My two cents worth.

IndigoTrout252201:15 PM, 01 Nov 2026

A lot of comments here about how things are and how they should be. Seems to me the future is already known and its going to be not limited to one election cycle. A Ms only Govt is that future, the past returning with a vengeance, with a new crowd stepping up to take the reins by GE17. If anyone wants a foretaste of what that looks like, there is an example in the South of the exact template, who burst upon the scene a couple of years ago. This new world will be a lot more strident than the earlier model, and will have support from power centres outside politics who wish the status quo to remain a sibling of Feudal.

GreenFalcon229012:35 PM, 01 Nov 2026

Plenty of hot Bersama air. Deposits at stake. A party cannot hope to form the Malacca gomen, solo, just competing in 16 seats.

Lone_star12:33 PM, 01 Nov 2026

Bersama supporters say "no" to coalition politics. When will Bersama form a government by itself? 2076? 3026? If ever....

spinnot11:59 AM, 01 Nov 2026

Rafizi is blaming his supporters now. He actually doesn't have a strategy, he was just emotional when he exited PH and started Bersama. Tough politicians stay and fight even when they are unpopular. Look at how PMX staying on, signed a CSA with Bersatu just to push through the reforms promised - limit PM tenure and separate AG frm public prosecutor. That's toughness, that's resilience, to push through without blaming anyone even when he is criticised, to continue to do the work needed for the country. I will always support DSAI. Best PM but most misunderstood.

Bobcat202010:52 AM, 01 Nov 2026

Same PMX who gets blasted daily by 1000 comments on MK alone? Interesting. Reforms? After 1450 days in Office? Fascinating.

GreenFalcon229012:18 PM, 01 Nov 2026

Rafizi Ramli appears to be blaming Bersama supporters for his reluctance to support a Confidence and Supply Agreement (CSA) or join an electoral coalition for the Malacca elections. By suggesting that his supporters would "slaughter" him if Bersama entered a coalition, he shifts responsibility for a political choice onto those he claims to represent. There is, of course, a legitimate argument for Bersama contesting independently and establishing an identity distinct from the existing political coalitions. Equally, Rafizi evidently wants to set Bersama apart from the established political parties. That is his prerogative. But he could have remained neutral on the question of electoral cooperation and allowed the party's members and supporters to deliberate and decide. Democracy is not merely about having the courage of one's convictions. It is also about persuasion, consultation and taking the people along. A leader who believes his supporters are not ready for a particular course of action has a responsibility to explain its merits rather than invoke their opposition as justification for his own position. In this instance, Rafizi might have been better advised to keep his counsel rather than risk appearing to dictate the outcome while placing responsibility on his supporters. After all, democracy is not simply about arriving at the right decision. It is about ensuring that the decision emerges from informed debate and collective consent. A new political party seeking to distinguish itself from the old political culture could begin by demonstrating precisely that principle.

Exile10:26 AM, 01 Nov 2026

malaysiakini what happened to your promise to revert to the old format for our comments that was much more friendly? "Our commenting system is still under development and we have taken note of feedback provided?" How long are you going to take??

darmakochi07:02 AM, 01 Nov 2026

Coalition politics is not at fault. It is CURRENT Malaysian-style coalition politics that is spoiling the term. The informal Alliance Party of 1952 was a loose coalition of UMNO, MCA and later, MIC. They won big, because the social structure of Malaya was very clearly by race, no thanks to the British. But as times and needs change, coalition politics have to also change. The best thing about coalition politics is that each party can fight for a cause they are passionate about. But race-based coalitions that is predominant until late 90s cannot last today. We are more integrated (a lot more than a narrow band of race-based parties would like you to believe) as a people today, and that is seen via our food menus, our clothing and our festivities. So fighting for a particular race becomes more difficult. Worse, today we have same-race coalitions. These pose the greatest danger to the Malaysia of the 21st century. Integration of the "national race" does not have to come at the expense of each other's languages and cultures. Or faiths. It really is about us practicing moderation. Extremism in anything is the beginning of discomfort, which usually ends with fights. Wars. A unified Malaysia can do wonders. When BN was in power, the clear demarcation of political power and economic power was evident with the Malays and the Chinese respectively. The Indians were not sidelined either, not in the early years. But race-based ideologies began taking foot, snd when a unified Malaysia began voting for change in the 2008 and eventually 2018 polls, the fear mongers came and we had the advent of "Malay unity was required because the nons were going to take it all away" campaign. The next stage was the Malays themselves fighting for power. Which is what Malaysia is today. While UMNO and PAS were about the only Malay parties during Malaysia's best years, today an array of Malay parties fight for the same. Malaysia can go back to excellence. But it needn't be sans coalition politics. RR needs to realise that he cannot do it alone. The size of the task ahead of rebuilding Malaysian politics is massive. I am not his biggest fan by any measure, but his words here will one day come back to haunt him.

Ruslan Bahari10:08 AM, 01 Nov 2026

With 16:warriors , all must WIN to form jMelaka Government!

ScarletPanda973106:36 AM, 01 Nov 2026

Go SOLO, Goj SW ALLOW!!!! To form a government, go ALLOut. Kamikazi style! Do or die !!! What for half-, baked effort,? It means you are NOT enough!-

ScarletPanda973106:34 AM, 01 Nov 2026

Coalitions really mean compromised principles and muddled policies. They also provide the reason to not do anything promised as proved by the “unity” gimmickry since 2023. As rafizi put it, the only goal is power and perks…and make a few millions by the side. Crooked politicians travel in seemingly disparate packs - to make hay when the sun shines. Confused trib espeople eager to take sides pick them because there appears to be no choice.

MS06:08 AM, 01 Nov 2026

So what is your end game? Bersama to go alone in all elections until it and only it wins enough seats to govern the country? With no coalitions? How many centuries before this happens? And in the meantime just go in there and split the vote? Great strategist you are

OrangeGoat581011:32 PM, 31 Oct 2026

Rafizi doesn't have a strategy, he was just emotional when he exited PH and started Bersama. Tough politicians stay and fight even when they are unpopular. Look at how PMX staying on, signed a CSA with Bersatu just to push through the reforms promised - limit PM tenure and separate AG frm public prosecutor. That's toughness, that's resilience, to push through without blaming anyone even when he is criticised, to continue to do the work needed for the country.

Bobcat202010:50 AM, 01 Nov 2026

There's nothing wrong with coalition politics but the political parties now are using it either stay in power or get power without giving voters a free choice. That makes it totally wrong. Coalition politics help bring small parties with a fragmented voter base together to fight established parties. What makes it wrong is when the alliance is made by sacrificing the constitutional rights of the people. That's a big NO-NO! MPs can not make any deal that goes against anything in the constitution for any reason. If they do, they are not fit to represent the people. Parties are doing just that and getting away with it because the people don't know their constitutional rights. If they do they would have taken to the streets by now! Leaders are betraying the trust of the voters by taking advantage of their ignorance. We are still an immature democracy. The other thing that is wrong about the coalition politics that is practised here now is getting the appointment of the premiership by the king, then signing a MoU/CSA and then getting a confidence vote. The king on his discretion can suggest a name as PM in the face of a hung Parliament but the candidate must win the support of the majority of the MPs on a free vote, not rig the vote with the MoU or CSA. That's political corruption and totally undemocratic. Bersama is doing the right thing by going solo to build up its voter base. That's the best strategy for new parties. Go solo win your voter base and if it is significant enough and the need warrants it, then join a coalition.

GP202511:30 PM, 31 Oct 2026

Join a coalition only if you have the absolute right to make all decisions in governing the state or country

Avisa08:42 AM, 01 Nov 2026

once again. you dont work for your party members but for the people. if doing what pleases your members is priority then what make you any different from those that you decided not to work with? all the talk and end of the day you cant be trusted as well'!

NoobMaster6910:56 PM, 31 Oct 2026

is there anyone to go againt the know all rafizi if he decides to join the coalition?

SAC10:13 PM, 31 Oct 2026

Yes, it is a real confusion. We don't know who is the government and who is the opposition. For we dance for one moment, and too soon we have to part. And that one moment.....

FromSpace09:01 PM, 31 Oct 2026

In politics idealism dies in the face of reality. To do good one must use strategic thinking and if necessary team up where one can do some good. Sun Tzu. Big ideals fall flat. Start from small, piggy back on others until the path is clear. Harapan is necessary for Bersama. Simple as that. Don't be naive.

Blue Skies08:12 PM, 31 Oct 2026

We M'sian's are going through a vicious cycle and the realist in me sees a Malay majority consisting of PH, UMNO and remnants of what PN would be but PAS by itself will decide who helms what, by virtue of their numbers. Look towards both DAP and BERSAMA MP"s on the opposition aisle - best not to have any alliances with the unprincipled, many on the "cepat kaya" self dealing lot but their threat isn't only about leakages from within, the in coming lot pales when their tertiary achievement lacks present day depth required to govern for future success.

casper c08:06 PM, 31 Oct 2026