Malaysia’s 2025 political scene saw stability, marked by the PKR election, Sabah state polls, and the passing of prominent leaders
KUALA LUMPUR: The country’s political landscape remained stable throughout 2025, enabling the formulation of improved, people-centric policies.
Only a handful of domestic political episodes drew significant public attention this year.
The Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) party election, the 17th Sabah State Election and the Ayer Kuning state by-election were key developments.
Nurul Izzah Anwar‘s victory as PKR Deputy President for the 2025–2028 term marked a new chapter in her political career.
Her success in capturing the post from incumbent Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli reflected grassroots confidence in her leadership.
PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim dismissed allegations of nepotism following his daughter’s election.
He stressed the outcome was a democratic process with clear support from party members.
Post-election, Rafizi and PKR vice-president Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad resigned from the Cabinet following their defeats.
In the Sabah election on November 29, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) succeeded in forming the state government after securing 29 of 73 seats.
GRS formed the government with Pakatan Harapan (PH), Barisan Nasional (BN), United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) and four Independents.
Parti Warisan (Warisan) won 25 seats outside the state government, with other parties and Independents securing the remainder.
The Ayer Kuning state by-election on April 26 was the only by-election held in 2025.
BN candidate Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir won the three-cornered contest with a majority of 5,006 votes.
The national scene was stirred by former minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz resigning from UMNO before joining PKR.
UPKO president Datuk Ewon Benedick resigned as a minister, followed by the party’s withdrawal from the PH coalition.
The nation mourned the passing of several prominent political figures in 2025.
Fifth Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi passed away on April 14 at the age of 85.
Former MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel died on June 17 at the age of 76.
Sabah BN chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin died on December 5, six days after the Sabah election.
Internal turbulence within Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) led to the expulsion of Tasek Gelugor MP Datuk Wan Saifulruddin Wan Jan.
Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal was suspended for one term, and four division chiefs were expelled.
The 71st PAS Muktamar resulted in no changes to the party’s top leadership, with Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang continuing as president.
The UMNO General Assembly, originally scheduled for November, was postponed to January 2026. – Bernama
