Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) will contest the upcoming Johor state election as an independent contender rather than entering negotiations with other political parties. De facto leader Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli confirmed the party intends to offer an alternative choice to voters, potentially contesting up to 20 seats despite its recent formation.
Why is Bersama contesting the Johor election independently?
Bersama is taking a high-stakes gamble by refusing to join existing coalitions. Speaking to reporters at the Danga Bay Convention Centre following the party’s first roadshow, Jelajah Kancil, Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli stated that the party is steadfast in its decision to run alone.
This independent approach comes with significant financial risks. Rafizi acknowledged that the party might lose its election deposits, but he framed the risk as a necessary step for growth. “If we don’t lose our deposits, it means that the seeds we planted have started to grow,” Rafizi said. “In the event that we do lose them, we will simply work harder and reassess our weaknesses.”
The party, which is only three weeks old, aims to position itself as a fresh alternative for voters in the southern state. The Johor state election was triggered after the state legislative assembly was dissolved on June 1.
While Bersama is a new force in the current political landscape, it is not a brand-new entity. The party was originally registered in Penang back in 2016 before being taken over by current leaders.
What is the strategy for candidate selection in Johor?
Bersama isn’t just looking for any names to fill its ballot. Rafizi announced that the party will open its candidate application system this coming Monday. To ensure quality, a special committee will vet every single application.
The party’s demographic strategy focuses on a “healthy mix” of two specific groups:
- Seniors: To provide experience and stability.
- Youth: Specifically young professionals who Rafizi believes will lead the country’s future.
Rafizi, who also serves as the party’s chief strategist, noted that the final number of seats will be determined within a week. This decision depends on how the party’s election machinery performs and how grassroots members respond to the ground situation. Currently, the party is eyeing up to 20 seats across the state.
The vetting process at a glance
According to Rafizi, the party will not accept candidates at random. The goal is to meet the aspirations of all voter demographics by balancing seasoned politicians with fresh, professional talent.
How did Bersama gain rapid momentum?
The speed at which Bersama has grown is a notable development in Malaysian politics. Despite the party being only three weeks old, Rafizi claims they have already recruited more than 24,000 members.
A key factor in this growth is the composition of the new membership. Rafizi noted that the majority of these individuals are non-partisan, meaning they had never belonged to any political party before joining Bersama. This suggests a successful outreach to voters who may feel disconnected from traditional political structures.
This surge follows a major leadership shift on May 17, when Rafizi and co-leader Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad announced their departure from the then-ruling PKR. Their move to take over Bersama has effectively transformed an obscure party into a serious contender for the Johor polls.
Watch the “grassroots response” mentioned by Rafizi. The success of a new party often hinges more on local machinery and ground-level engagement than on high-profile leadership announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Bersama form a coalition for the Johor election?
No. Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has confirmed that Bersama will remain an independent contender and will not enter negotiations with other political parties.
How many seats does Bersama plan to contest?
The party is considering contesting up to 20 seats in Johor, with the specific number to be announced within a week once grassroots responses are reviewed.
When can individuals apply to be Bersama candidates?
The candidate application system is scheduled to open this coming Monday.
Who are the leaders of Bersama?
The party is led by Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli (de facto leader and chief strategist) and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (co-leader).
What do you think about Bersama’s decision to run independently? Will a third option resonate with Johor voters? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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