Rafizi Ramli’s BERSAMA will not participate in the upcoming Negeri Sembilan state election, choosing instead to focus its preparations on the Melaka state election expected to take place in the coming months.
In a statement on Wednesday, Rafizi said the decision was made after considering the political landscape in Negeri Sembilan, including the more intense competition between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) compared with the recent Johor state election.
He said the outcome of the Negeri Sembilan election could also influence wider political issues, including matters linked to the conflict involving the Negeri Sembilan Yang di-Pertuan Besar’s institution.
“Taking into account these issues as well as the constraints of time and resources, BERSAMA believes it is more strategic for our focus to shift to the Melaka state election, which will be held several months from now,” Rafizi said.
He added that BERSAMA would use the additional preparation period to strengthen its groundwork ahead of the Melaka election, including identifying potential seats and screening candidates.
An initial preparation meeting for the Melaka election will be held on July 21 to begin the process, with the party aiming to announce its candidates earlier.
Rafizi also thanked BERSAMA members and volunteers who had prepared to participate in the Negeri Sembilan election despite their recent involvement in the Johor state election.
The party will instead hold a special appreciation event for its Johor election volunteers at its headquarters in Puchong on July 19, followed by a screening event for the FIFA World Cup final.
Rafizi said the longer preparation period would allow BERSAMA to enter the Melaka election with greater readiness while taking into account other strategic considerations.
“We hope the longer period will give BERSAMA space to enter the Melaka election better prepared, alongside other considerations that have been taken into account,” he said.
