Someone Tried To Start A Political Party Called ‘Parti Sampai Pagi’ (Yes, Really)

By Ben Liew  •  18 Mar 2026 in Features

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Malaysia could be heading into its most crowded election yet, with most of its 72 political parties expected to contest and 16 new parties vying to join

Malaysia’s political landscape may soon get significantly more crowded.

According to Registrar of Societies (RoS) Director Datuk Mohd Zulfikar Ahmad, there are currently 72 political parties registered in the country. In addition, 16 new party applications are being processed, with 14 undergoing security vetting and two under review for their party constitutions. Most of these parties are expected to contest in GE16.

While some of these groups are likely to be serious contenders, others have drawn attention for their unconventional branding—including names that sound more like late-night ideas than formal political movements, such as the puzzling Parti Sampai Pagi.

Beyond The Familiar Names

Most Malaysians are familiar with only the major political parties and their coalitions.

However, the existence of 72 registered parties highlights a much broader ecosystem that often operates outside mainstream attention. The additional applications suggest that more groups are looking to participate in the democratic process—whether by representing specific communities, advancing niche agendas, or offering alternative platforms to voters.

However, a more crowded field comes with its own challenges. A higher number of parties could lead to vote splitting, fragmented mandates, and greater complexity for voters at the ballot box.

The Headliners

Despite the large number of registered parties, Malaysia’s political landscape is largely organised around a smaller number of major alliances.

Out of the 72 registered parties, 41 are headquartered in Peninsular Malaysia, while the rest are based in Sabah and Sarawak. Collectively, these parties account for over 100,000 branches nationwide. They are broadly consolidated into five key coalitions:

Barisan Nasional (BN)
Pakatan Harapan (PH)
Perikatan Nasional (PN)
Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS)
Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS)

These alliances continue to play a central role in shaping the country’s political direction, particularly during general elections.

When Party Names Come Under Scrutiny

Mohd Zulfikar noted that while an increase in political parties is not inherently negative, an excessive number could dilute the presence of dominant political forces.

He emphasised that applications must undergo rigorous evaluation, particularly as some have been rejected due to inappropriate or overly extreme names.

“Some names, such as Parti Sampai Pagi (Until Dawn Party), raise questions about whether applicants are serious about forming a political party.”

He added that certain names such as “Parti Hijau” (Green Party) may be more suited to non-governmental organisations, noting that some applicants appear unclear about whether they intend to register as political parties or NGOs.

The RoS, he said, does not interfere in the internal affairs or constitutions of political parties, but focuses on ensuring compliance with regulations and procedures.

Parties that fail to meet requirements such as submitting annual reports or managing internal disputes may face action including revocation of registration. However, some have been allowed to resume operations after taking corrective steps.

More Choice, More Noise?

If more parties are approved, GE16 could see a wider range of choices on the ballot.

This may encourage broader representation, but it could also make the electoral landscape more complex, with voters needing to navigate a larger pool of parties and candidates.

Ultimately, the extent of this impact will depend on how many of the pending applications are approved—and how these parties position themselves in Malaysia’s evolving political scene.

Either way, Malaysia’s next election is shaping up to be one of its most competitive yet.

And if nothing else, it may also be one of the most memorable, if party names are anything to go by.

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