Rafizi pushes flat structure to end lobbying, empower grassroots in Bersama

 

FORMER economy minister and now leader of Bersama, Rafizi Ramli is pushing for a new formula in a bid to reshape how  politics works in Malaysia.

With the new formula, he is attempting to dismantle the existing culture of hierarchy and lobbying in local politics.

This is a major step into the unknown since politics is not like a startup company where such flat structures exist.

However, he said Bersama is taking a different path from traditional parties in order to eliminate infighting and allow grassroots to connect directly with party leadership.

“We take a different path, because when you make a layered structure, there will be those lobbying to become the sponsoring chief, lobbying to become a candidate, and eventually fighting even before anything begins,” he said during the Jelajah Kancil at Pantai Cahaya Bulan on Saturday.

“That is why we chose a flat structure so that every member can connect directly with the leadership and contribute to the party without bureaucratic obstacles,” he said.

With this, the party intends to bypass the traditional layers of state, division, and branch.

His goal is to eliminate the endless jockeying for positions that often breeds factionalism before real work begins.

By leveraging digital systems, Rafizi envisions faster communication, streamlined decision‑making, and greater inclusivity, ensuring that every member’s potential is tapped without bureaucratic delays.

He believes this transformation will nurture natural leaders who rise through proven ability rather than  political manoeuvring.

He said that leaders chosen later must prove they can manage and lead members first before being given greater responsibility.

“We want natural leaders to emerge from below. Members themselves will know who is truly working and capable of leading,” Rafizi said.

“When the time for selection comes, we do not need lobbying culture or camps because members can already judge for themselves who is qualified,” he added.—  Focus Malaysia