POLITICAL parties should consider merging as there are too many such parties for a small nation like Malaysia, said former Penang PKR vice-chairman Datuk Jason Ong Khan Lee.
The former two-term Kebun Bunga assemblyman said that political parties need to do away with narrow-minded struggles and self-interests by embarking on a merger if they seriously want to serve the people.
Malaysia has a population base of about 34.3 million, but as of March this year, there are over 60 political parties listed with the Registrar of Societies, said Ong.
"Although on hindsight, this shows a healthy democratic practice (freedom of expression), it also invites the polemics of divide and rule. So far, it has not worked for the country, as despite the proclamation of political unity, on the ground, the divide along the lines of race and religion is more evident."
Out of the 60 parties, less than 10 have parliamentary representatives, said Ong.
"As we approach the 16th general election and we implement the 13th Malaysia Plan, it is timely to urge various parties to consider merging or simply dissolving their organisations if the voters reject their struggle," said Ong.
And if the Malay-based parties formed a so - called unity pact, it is difficult to envision a two-bloc system ever forming as a result of it, he said.
Since Independence, the country has experienced a two-bloc system of diverse races - coalitions or pact of Barisan Nasional (BN), followed by Pakatan Harapan (PH) and the Perikatan Nasional (PN).
"The blocs united based on political needs and on a national identity that this country is best led by representation from all major races."
However, all these efforts would be meaningless if the politicians resort to deceit and brinkmanship to earn their political mileage.
Previously, there was the threat of party hopping and defections - although there is now legislation to prevent it, the notion that parties are conspiring to overthrow the rivals continues unabatedly, said Ong.
Now it is worsened because parties have to entertain the self-interests of some groups, and when the energy is spent on politicking, the effort towards nation-building becomes compromised or reduced.
"Malaysia needs not be hasty in merging the parties, but we must move towards a big umbrella concept where the interests of all parties are taken into account under the auspices of unity and stability."
A political structure which is bigger and more secure can reduce the threat of a hung parliament after any election outcome, he said.
"Through a merger exercise, we can reduce the politicking level, cool down the level of polarisation and solely focus on the economy."
A merger should not be seen as a sign of weakness but a reflection of maturity, and sending a clear message to the people that the leaders placed the interests of the nation foremost, instead of partisan politics. – April 1, 2026
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