Pakatan Harapan: Charting Malaysia's Alliance of Hope

🌱 Formation and Evolution

Pakatan Harapan's genesis in September 2015 followed the dissolution of its predecessor, Pakatan Rakyat, primarily due to ideological conflicts between the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) and the Democratic Action Party (DAP) over the implementation of sharia law. The new coalition was formed by the remnants of Pakatan Rakyat, joined by the newly established National Trust Party (AMANAH), a splinter group from PAS. In 2016, the Malaysian United Indigenous Party (BERSATU), led by former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, also committed to joining, solidifying PH's structure by March 2017.

🚀 Ascent to Power (2018)

In preparation for the 2018 general election, a presidential council was formed, with Mahathir as chairman and Wan Azizah Wan Ismail as president, while Anwar Ibrahim served as de facto leader. Despite initial registration challenges, the coalition contested under the People's Justice Party (PKR) logo in most regions. On May 9, 2018, Pakatan Harapan achieved a historic victory, securing a simple majority in the Dewan Rakyat and ending Barisan Nasional's 60-year rule. This triumph also saw PH forming governments in states such as Kedah, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, and Sabah, with official registration approved shortly after the election.

📉 Political Crisis and Fall (2020)

The coalition's tenure was disrupted by the 2020 Malaysian political crisis. On February 24, 2020, Mahathir Mohamad unexpectedly resigned as Prime Minister, leading to BERSATU's withdrawal from the coalition, along with 11 Members of Parliament from PKR. This event, amidst speculation of a new governing coalition excluding Anwar, resulted in the collapse of the PH government as it lost its parliamentary majority. A new rival coalition, Perikatan Nasional, subsequently formed the government, leading to PH losing control over several state governments, including Johor, Malacca, Perak, and Kedah.

🔄 Resurgence and Unity Government (2022)

The 2022 Malaysian general election saw Pakatan Harapan emerge with the largest number of seats (82) in the Dewan Rakyat, though short of an outright majority. Following counsel from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, PH entered into a grand coalition to form a national unity government. This alliance included Barisan Nasional (BN), Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), WARISAN, Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM), Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (MUDA), Social Democratic Harmony Party (KDM), and independents. PH chairman Anwar Ibrahim was appointed Prime Minister. This unity government model was also replicated at the state level, with PH participating in seven state governments and providing confidence and supply in Johor.

👑 Chairperson

The role of Chairperson is pivotal in guiding the coalition's strategic direction. Currently, this esteemed position is held by Anwar Ibrahim (PKR), who assumed the role on May 14, 2020, and remains incumbent. He was preceded by Mahathir Mohamad (BERSATU), who served from July 14, 2017, to February 24, 2020.

👩‍⚖️ President

The President of Pakatan Harapan serves as a key figure in the coalition's administration and public representation. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (PKR) has held this position since July 14, 2017, and continues to be the incumbent. Her leadership provides continuity and stability to the alliance.

👥 Deputy Presidents

Supporting the President, the Deputy Presidents play crucial roles in various aspects of the coalition's operations and outreach. The current Deputy Presidents are:

• Anthony Loke Siew Fook (DAP)
• Mohamad Sabu (AMANAH)
• Ewon Benedick (UPKO)

These leaders represent the diverse member parties and contribute to the collective leadership of Pakatan Harapan.

♀️ Women Chiefs

The Women's Wing is a vital component of Pakatan Harapan, advocating for gender equality and women's empowerment within the political landscape. The current Women Chief is Aiman Athirah Sabu (AMANAH), who took office on September 12, 2021. Notable predecessors include Zuraida Kamaruddin (PKR, 2017-2020) and Chong Eng (DAP, 2021).

✊ Youth Chiefs

The Youth Wing, known as Angkatan Muda Harapan, is instrumental in engaging younger generations and fostering future political leaders. The current Youth Chief is Woo Kah Leong (DAP), who assumed the role on March 11, 2025. Previous Youth Chiefs have included prominent figures such as Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (PKR, 2017-2018), Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (BERSATU, 2018-2020), Shazni Munir Mohd Ithnin (AMANAH, 2021), Howard Lee Chuan How (DAP, 2021-2022), and Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen (DAP, 2022-2025).

📜 Senate Representation

Pakatan Harapan holds 20 out of 70 seats in the Dewan Negara, the upper house of the Malaysian Parliament. These senators are appointed through various mechanisms, including direct appointments by His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and selections by State Legislative Assemblies. This representation ensures that the coalition's perspectives are voiced in the legislative process at the federal level.

🗺️ State-Level Governance

Pakatan Harapan plays a crucial role in state governance across Malaysia, participating in the governments of seven states and providing confidence and supply in Johor. The coalition holds a total of 141 out of 611 seats across all State Legislative Assemblies, demonstrating its significant presence and influence at the sub-national level.

📜 References