Political friend + political enemy = political frenemy. I define the term as a party/coalition that functions simultaneously as a partner and a rival, entering alliances out of strategic necessity when competing for power, seats or influence.In other words, what we are witnessing today in Malaysia is the rise of the frenemy: a political party or coalition that acts as a friendly partner on one stage, but turns into an outright rival the moment they step onto another.
Take the current dynamics between Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan. At the Putrajaya level, their members sit side by side in the unity government, managing federal affairs and maintaining cabinet discipline. But look at the state elections, in Johor or Negri Sembilan, and we can see how the gloves came right off. Ministers had no problem criticizing fellow ministers of another party who might sit next to him or her in cabinet meetings.
Another clear example of the frenemy dynamic in action is the complex, ever-shifting relationship between the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) and the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), a partnership governed purely by arithmetic, leverage and mutual vulnerability. Oh, and of course, the ever-useful rallying cry of defending Malay rights.
