Parti BERSAMA, led by former ministers Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, will contest 15 state seats in the Johor state election independently, ruling out any cooperation with existing political coalitions.
In his social media post on X, Rafizi said the party chose to “walk alone” as it seeks to provide a platform for ordinary Malaysians who are disillusioned with the power struggles among major political blocs, including Pakatan Harapan (PH), Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN).
“BERSAMA is not a vehicle for me and Nik Nazmi to secure positions. If that was our goal, we would not have resigned from our ministerial posts and vacated our parliamentary seats,” he said.
While acknowledging that joining a coalition would be the easier route, Rafizi argued that mainstream political alliances had become increasingly detached from the concerns of ordinary citizens as leaders focused on competing for top positions.
He expressed confidence that voters would respond positively to the party’s message despite contesting on its own.
“Even if we walk alone, you never walk alone. There will be ordinary Malaysians who identify with this struggle and support us,” he said.
Rafizi revealed that 73 individuals applied to become BERSAMA candidates for the Johor polls, with 15 ultimately selected after a screening and interview process.
The candidates include entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers, architects, company directors, business owners and community activists, many of whom have no prior political experience.
According to Rafizi, the candidates will be unveiled on Friday during the launch of the party’s campaign vehicle, dubbed the “Trak Kancil”, at a public event in Johor Bahru.
Candidate profiles will be published on the party’s website following the announcement.
