Bersatu believes the outcome of the Johor state election on July 11 will not determine the party’s future, arguing that voting trends in state elections differ significantly from those seen in general elections.
Bersatu Youth information chief Harris Idaham Rashid said the party’s past electoral performance showed a clear distinction between state and national contests, with Bersatu facing greater challenges in state elections but performing better in nationwide polls.
He therefore dismissed claims that the Johor election would serve as a measure of whether the party still enjoys public support.
“Bersatu has been in the Malaysian political landscape for 10 years and has even held the prime minister’s post,” he said.
Bersatu rejects claims of declining relevance
Harris also expressed confidence that Bersatu would demonstrate its continued relevance in the Johor election, saying the party still has its own base of loyal supporters.
He was responding to remarks by suspended Bersatu MP Rosol Wahid, who reportedly claimed that the party “no longer has a future”, particularly ahead of the next general election.
First election after PAS cooperation ended
The Johor election marks Bersatu’s first electoral test since the end of its political cooperation with PAS.
Under the Perikatan Nasional (PN) banner, Bersatu is contesting 16 state seats, while PAS is fielding candidates in 11 constituencies.
Although both parties are contesting under the PN coalition, PAS is not campaigning for Bersatu despite remaining coalition partners.
