Declaring Bersama’s Johor gamble as a ‘kamikaze’ move, Nik Nazmi hails bold debut for 15 candidates

JOHOR BAHRU, June 27 — Parti Bersama Malaysia’s (Bersama) decision to field 15 candidates for the upcoming Johor state election was a high-risk and ‘kamikaze’ move for a new party, said Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.

Despite that, the Bersama co-leader said the bold move was a historic moment as the Johor state election will be the first electoral outing for a newly established party that is only 40 days old.

“Bersama does not want to set a high benchmark (for the Johor election), but this will be the start of a new political culture that breaks away from the old framework.

“We hope that starting in the Johor election, Bersama candidates will trigger a ‘yellow wave’ throughout the country,” he said in his speech during Bersama’s official candidate announcement for the Johor state election last night.

The former cabinet minister was referring to the yellow wave based on Bersama’s distinct partisan yellow hue.

The event, held at the Paragon Market Place in Tampoi here last night, also saw the launch of the party’s campaign truck called the Kancil Truck for the upcoming poll.

Also present were Bersatu president Syukri Razab and its leader Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, along with several hundred party supporters.

Nik Nazmi, who was the former Setiawangsa MP, hoped that the new Bersama candidates would impress the voters with their top-notch attributes and varied backgrounds.

However, he described Bersama’s competition in Johor as a calculated risk before committing.

“We make our assessments and commit to where there is potential for us to make a surprise,” he said.

Meanwhile, Rafizi told reporters that Bersama will use its nationwide members to assist the party’s candidates in their campaign efforts.

“About 400 Bersama members will be volunteering their efforts in each area the party is contesting,” he said.

As part of the party’s official declaration, Rafizi explained that all Bersama candidates have signed an integrity pledge and also declared their assets.

He said Bersama will also disclose their campaign expenses and funding sources after the Johor election is over.