Here are all the parties fighting for power in Malaysia's 15th general elections

Four coalitions, only one throne. Let the Game of Keris begin.

Oct. 12, 2022

Here are all the parties fighting for power in Malaysia's 15th general elections

Malaysia is set to hold its 15th general elections. By the time 2022 comes to an end, the world could possibly see a new (or old) face leading Malaysia.

Since the previous elections in 2018, which saw the fall of Barisan Nasional, the Southeast Asian nation has seen political instability with various factions vying for control.

With close to 30 political parties, the landscape in Malaysia has drastically changed since the last elections. After two years of bickering, backstabbing, betrayals, and not to mention three new prime ministers, Malaysia now has four political coalitions vying for control.

The situation even puts George R.R. Martin's Game of Thrones series to shame due to the amount of betrayals and plot twists.

If you're confused but still interested to learn about what's going on in Malaysian politics, you've come to the right place. Bookmark this post for future reference because it'll come in handy.

Here are all the political coalitions in Malaysia and their allegiances.

Barisan Nasional (BN).

Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is the chairman of BN and is facing seven corruption charges. IMAGE: New Straits Times.

Component parties:

United Malays National Organisation (UMNO).

Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA).

Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC).

Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS).

The Barisan Nasional logo. IMAGE: Wikipedia.

When the longest-ruling coalition in the world lost the elections in 2018, many thought it was game over for BN.

However, what transpired in the recent four years saw Pakatan Harapan (PH), the winning coalition, lose its majority after several of its members jumped ship following the resignation of prime minister Mahathir Mohamad.

As several of BN's key players face jail time due to charges related to corruption – one of them, former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak is already behind bars – the pressure is actually on BN to win the elections.

Pakatan Harapan (PH).

Anwar Ibrahim is the leader of the Opposition and hopes to become Prime Minister. IMAGE: New Straits Times.

Component parties:

People's Justice Party (PKR).

Democratic Action Party (DAP).

National Trust Party (Parti Amanah Negara).

United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO).

The Pakatan Harapan logo might be changed during the 15th general elections. IMAGE: Wikipedia.

PH made history when it came to power in 2018 after joining forces with Mahathir, who was formerly a BN stalwart.

The coalition won through a slim majority. When Mahathir resigned, several key members from PH broke up and jumped ship, causing the coalition to capitulate.

This time around, PH would be contesting without the support of Mahathir, who many view as the cause of the capitulation.

Perikatan Nasional (PN).

Chairman of PN is Muhyiddin Yassin who hopes to legitimately become a Prime Minister. IMAGE: FMT

Component parties:

Malaysian United Indigenous Party (BERSATU).

Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS).

Malaysian People's Movement Party (GERAKAN).

Homeland Solidarity Party (STAR).

Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP).

The Perikatan Nasional logo. IMAGE: Wikipedia.

Following Mahathir's resignation, BERSATU broke off from PH and formed its own coalition. This led BERSATU's chairman, Muhyiddin Yassin, to become the country's eighth prime minister.

While PN might be unpopular among urban voters who would remember the betrayal of its members, rural voters, specifically those from the Malay heartlands, see PN as a more Islamic alternative to BN.