Parti Bersama Malaysia is aiming to contest between 10 and 20 parliamentary seats in the 16th General Election (GE16), according to party leader Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
Speaking at a public dialogue session last night, Nik Nazmi reiterated that Bersama would not align itself with any political coalition, even if the election were to result in a hung parliament.
He said the party’s position remains unchanged, although it would be open to considering an agreement similar to the memorandum of understanding signed in 2021 between the government led by then prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob and the opposition.
Open to reform-based cooperation
Nik Nazmi said such an arrangement would only be considered as a last resort to ensure the stability of a future government.
However, he stressed that Bersama would not become part of any coalition under such circumstances.
“But Bersama won’t join them. We will, however, push for reforms under the agreement,” he said.
Focus on independent electoral strategy
Speculation over the possibility of an early GE16 has intensified as Johor and Negeri Sembilan prepare for their state elections on July 11 and Aug 1 respectively.
Earlier, Bersama leader Rafizi Ramli said the party would remain outside any coalition ahead of the state polls.
According to a Sinar Harian report, Rafizi said the decision would allow Bersama to pursue its own electoral strategies without being constrained by agreements with other political parties.
Candidate selection process underway
Rafizi and Nik Nazmi have previously announced that the party is accepting applications from Malaysians interested in becoming election candidates, with priority given to prospective candidates in Johor and Negeri Sembilan.
Applicants are required to register as party members and undergo a three-stage assessment process. The process includes declaring their income and assets, as well as providing details of their educational background, career history and family information.
Candidates will also be subjected to background screening, while qualitative surveys will be conducted within their local communities to gather feedback.
Rafizi said Bersama hopes that 70% of its candidates will be below the age of 50 and that the party will seek to field as many women candidates as possible.
