THROUGHOUT 2025, Malaysia’s political environment has largely reflected the stability anticipated following the 15th General Election (PRU15), providing the MADANI government with the opportunity to focus on reforms and governance.
Although internal party disagreements and high-profile resignations occurred, these episodes were largely contained and did not compromise the cohesion of the Unity Government or hinder Putrajaya’s policy agenda.
Key events have, however, caused temporary ripples across the political landscape.
Nurul Izzah Anwar won the Deputy Presidency of PKR, defeating incumbent Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli. Following this defeat, Rafizi resigned as Minister of Economy on 17 June 2025.
Similarly, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad stepped down as Minister of Natural Resources and Environment on 4 July 2025 after losing his bid to retain the position of PKR Vice President.
“The resignations of these two ministers briefly slowed the smooth operation of government administration,” Berita Harian cited observers saying.
DAP’s party election saw former National Chairman Lim Guan Eng appointed as party advisor, replacing Gobind Singh Deo, who had received the highest votes for the Central Executive Committee.
Notably, several prominent figures, including Teresa Kok, V Sivakumar, Chow Yu Hui, and RSN Rayer, known for their vocal stances, failed to secure positions in the CEC.
In Sabah, the 17th General Election on 29 November produced a mixed-party administration, as no single coalition or party achieved the required 37-seat majority.
Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) captured 29 out of 73 seats, with supplementary support from six Barisan Nasional assemblymen, three from UPKO, and four independents.
Two STAR assemblymen and the WARISAN bloc of 25 seats remained outside the coalition, alongside PN and KDM representatives holding one seat each.
Datuk Ewon Benedick resigned as Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development in November 2025, citing principled objections related to Sabah’s 40 per cent rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and the Federal Constitution.
PAS maintained its leadership structure during its 71st Muktamar in September, with Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang continuing as president for 2025–2027. Meanwhile, UMNO postponed its 2025 General Assembly from 26 November to 14–17 January to focus on the Sabah state election.
In Perak, the Ayer Kuning by-election concluded with BN candidate Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir winning a three-cornered contest by 5,006 votes, defeating PN’s Abd Muhaimin Malek and Parti Sosialis Malaysia’s Bawani KS.
The political atmosphere was further stirred by the defection of former Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz from UMNO to PKR, triggering tension and testing the alliance between Malay parties. MIC also voted unanimously to consider leaving BN, igniting minor disputes within the coalition.
Internal turmoil within BERSATU resulted in the expulsion of Tasek Gelugor MP Datuk Wan Saifulruddin Wan Jan in October and the suspension of Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal for one term.
Calls for the resignation of BERSATU president and PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin reflected ongoing fractures within the opposition.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim implemented a substantial cabinet reshuffle, transferring portfolios among three ministers, appointing seven new ministers—including six former deputy ministers—and ten deputy ministers.
New appointments included religious speaker Marhamah Rosli. The reshuffle also saw the removal of Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar and Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa from the Prime Minister’s Department, as well as former Deputy Minister K Saraswathy.
Perlis faced political upheaval as Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli resigned following a declaration of no confidence submitted by eight BERSATU and PAS assemblymen.
This triggered disciplinary action under PAS’s 2025 constitutional amendments, resulting in three PAS assemblymen losing their seats.
In Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah admonished Members of Parliament for failing to exemplify proper conduct, urging them to act with dignity, respect, and integrity amid incidents of disorder in the Dewan Rakyat.
Tensions flared between UMNO and DAP, with the latter pressing to sever ties with UMNO Youth Chief Dr Akmal Saleh over critical remarks by the Merlimau assemblyman.
Disputes also emerged in Negeri Sembilan over political appointments, prompting criticism from Federal Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
In Kelantan, Melor assemblyman Wan Rohaimi Wan Daud challenged claims by the state police chief alleging a cosmetics entrepreneur’s involvement in a drug syndicate, igniting debate in the state assembly.
The Rebuilding of Urban Areas Bill became a political flashpoint, with Titiwangsa MP Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani criticising external parties for politicising redevelopment issues in Kampung Sungai Baru, leading to local unrest on 11 September.
The nation also mourned the passing of prominent leaders. Former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, known as the Father of Human Capital Development, died on 14 April at 85 and was accorded a state funeral at Makam Pahlawan on 15 April.
Datuk Seri G Palanivel, MIC President and former Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, passed away on 17 June at 76. Just days after the Sabah state election, BN Sabah Chairman and Kinabatangan MP Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin died on 5 December, further shocking the nation.
Overall, Malaysia in 2025 experienced measured political stability punctuated by internal party contests, resignations, electoral surprises, and cabinet reshuffles, all of which continue to shape the governance and political dynamics of the country. - December 28, 2025
