How a Malaysian political party transformed through a decade of rebranding and internal conflict
In short: Parti Bangsa Malaysia has undergone a complex evolution, shifting through multiple identities and leadership struggles since its 2010 inception. Originally founded as the Sabah People's Front, the party has navigated various coalitions and internal disputes, ultimately settling into its current role as a single-seat force in the Malaysian parliament.
The origins of Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) trace back to 2010, when it was established as the Sabah People's Front by Berman Angkap. By 2012, the organization shifted its focus and name to the Sarawak Workers Party (SWP) following a takeover by members of the Sarawak Peoples' Party. Under the leadership of inaugural president Larry Sng, the party attempted to carve out a niche in Sarawak politics, maintaining a fluctuating relationship with major coalitions like Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat.
A significant transformation occurred on 27 October 2021, when the party was registered as a national-level entity under the name Parti Bangsa Malaysia. This period saw an influx of high-profile political figures, including Zuraida Kamaruddin and Edmund Santhara, which briefly boosted the party's parliamentary presence to six representatives. However, this growth was marred by a severe leadership dispute in late 2022. A conflict erupted between Larry Sng and Zuraida Kamaruddin over the presidency, leading to suspensions, expulsions, and a failed judicial review by Zuraida. The party's internal stability remained fragile, and it eventually saw its parliamentary representation dwindle to a single seat.
Despite its turbulent history, the party has remained a participant in the broader political landscape. It supported the Ismail Sabri cabinet and later joined the unity government led by Anwar Ibrahim, though it did not secure a ministerial position. In recent years, the party has opted out of contesting various state elections, choosing instead to support unity government candidates. As of 2 October 2026, the party continues to evolve, marked by the entry of prominent human rights lawyer Siti Kasim, who joined while maintaining her independent stance. Today, PBM holds one seat in the 15th Malaysian Parliament and currently possesses no representatives in any state legislative assembly.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Parti Bangsa Malaysia
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