KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 -- Malaysian politics again faces a major realignment following the dramatic takeover of Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) by former federal ministers Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.

The duo vacated their respective parliamentary seats effective Monday, having exited the ruling PKR following nearly a year of tension after both were defeated at last May's party polls.

Both former PKR leaders alleged the elections were marred by irregularities.

While Bersama positions itself as an independent, policy-driven alternative, analysts said its entry introduces a volatile variable at the upcoming elections.

Three analysts explain how Bersama could alter Malaysia's political board:

It could split the urban ...