Pakatan Harapan

Pakatan Harapan. It is a major centre-left political coalition in Malaysia, formed in September 2015 as a successor to the dissolved Pakatan Rakyat. The coalition has formed the federal government twice, first after its historic victory in the 2018 general election under the leadership of Mahathir Mohamad, and again following the 2022 general election under Anwar Ibrahim. Comprising several multi-ethnic parties, it positions itself as a reformist force advocating for democratic governance, social justice, and institutional integrity within the Malaysian political landscape.

History

The coalition was officially registered on 22 September 2015, emerging from the collapse of the previous opposition alliance, Pakatan Rakyat, following a strategic divergence with the PAS. Its founding core parties were the People's Justice Party (PKR), the Democratic Action Party (DAP), and the National Trust Party (AMANAH). The coalition achieved a monumental political breakthrough in the 14th general election, ending the six-decade rule of the Barisan Nasional coalition led by the UMNO. This victory led to Mahathir Mohamad becoming Prime Minister, but the administration collapsed in February 2020 during the Sheraton Move, which triggered the COVID-19 pandemic period of political instability. After a period in opposition, it returned to power following the 15th general election, forming a Unity Government with various parties including Barisan Nasional and Gabungan Parti Sarawak, with Anwar Ibrahim ascending to the premiership.

Member parties

The coalition's membership has evolved since its inception. Its principal and founding components are the multi-ethnic PKR, the predominantly Chinese-supported DAP, and the progressive Islamic AMANAH. Following the 2018 Malaysian general election, the coalition was joined by BERSATU, which later defected in 2020. A significant addition in 2022 was the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) from Sabah. The coalition also maintains strategic partnerships within the Warisan-led Gabungan Rakyat Sabah in Sabah and with MUDA, though these are not formal member parties. This structure aims to present a united multi-ethnic front across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak.

Ideology and policies

The coalition advocates for a platform of Reformism and Social democracy, emphasizing good governance, anti-corruption, and institutional reform. Key historical policy pillars included the abolition of the GST, the ratification of the ICERD, and institutional reforms such as limiting the tenure of the Prime Minister. Its foundational document, the Buku Harapan, outlined commitments to cost-of-living relief, education reform, and restoring the integrity of institutions like the MACC and the Attorney General's Chambers. Under Anwar Ibrahim's leadership, the coalition's Malaysia Madani framework focuses on sustainable development, social justice, and fostering unity among Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Bumiputera communities in Sabah and Sarawak.

Electoral performance

The coalition contested its first general election in 2018, winning 121 of the 222 seats in the Dewan Rakyat and securing 48.79% of the popular vote, which led to its first federal administration. In the subsequent 15th general election, it emerged as the largest bloc, securing 82 seats with 37.07% of the vote, though without a simple majority, necessitating the formation of a Unity Government. At the state level, it has formed governments in several state legislative assemblies, including Selangor, Penang, and Negeri Sembilan, often in partnership with Barisan Nasional. Its performance reflects strong support in urban and ethnically mixed constituencies, while facing challenges in more conservative Malay heartland states.

Leadership and structure

The coalition is led by a Presidential Council, with Anwar Ibrahim serving as both its Chairman and the Prime Minister of Malaysia. Key leadership figures include Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi of Barisan Nasional and DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke Siew Fook. The structure includes a Central Executive Committee and various bureaus overseeing policy, elections, and communications. The coalition's secretariat is headquartered in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. This leadership has navigated complex alliances, including the post-2022 partnership with former rival Barisan Nasional and the East Malaysian coalitions GPS and GRS, to maintain a stable parliamentary majority in the Dewan Rakyat.

Category:Political parties in Malaysia Category:2015 establishments in Malaysia