Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) has set a target for its candidates to avoid losing their election deposits in the upcoming Johor state election.
Former economy minister Rafizi Ramli said that given the party's leadership only took over about three weeks ago, retaining its deposits would already constitute a major achievement.
“If, for example, Bersama enters the state election after only three or four weeks and we do not lose our deposits, that is actually a major achievement.
“So, our target is not to lose our deposits. If we achieve that, it means... it means the seed will grow,” Rafizi (above, centre) told reporters after the Jelajah Kancil programme at the Danga Bay Convention Centre in Johor Bahru last night.
Also present were former PKR vice-president Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Bersama president Syukri Razab and the party’s founder, former Bersatu supreme council member Rais Hussin Ariff.
Under Malaysian election rules, state election candidates must pay a RM5,000 nomination deposit and a RM3,000 campaign materials deposit. Candidates who fail to secure at least one-eighth, or 12.5 percent, of the valid votes cast in their constituency forfeit their nomination deposit.
The benchmark has often been used to measure a new or smaller party’s electoral viability.
Candidates who retain their deposits are generally regarded as having demonstrated a minimum level of voter support, even if they fail to win their seats.
Polls preparation
Elaborating, Rafizi defended the target of retaining deposits as an early indicator that the party is gaining traction among voters.
He noted that there are political parties that have existed far longer and are led by prominent figures, yet still fail to retain their deposits in elections.
“That is why, if we do not lose our deposits, it is an achievement. Imagine parties that have been around for years, with big-name leaders, and there are still parties that lose their deposits,” he said.
Johor’s state assembly comprises 56 seats. Any party seeking to contest all seats would need to raise RM448,000 in deposits before nomination day.
More than 500 people attended Bersama’s first roadshow last night, with over 70 percent comprising youths. There was also a strong turnout from the Chinese community.
The Jelajah Kancil programme also featured an open town hall session, giving attendees the opportunity to raise questions on a range of current issues.
On preparations for the Johor polls, Rafizi, who is also a former PKR deputy president, said Bersama is prepared for any election outcome and will continue refining its strategy if it fails to meet its target.
“If we lose our deposits, it means we need to work even harder.
“However, even if we do lose our deposits, we must go back and assess what weaknesses may have existed within such a short four-week period,” he said.
Candidate selection
When asked about candidate selection after Syukri confirmed that Bersama would contest independently rather than join any political coalition, Rafizi said no decision had been made.
He dismissed suggestions that the party leadership already had a finalised list of candidates, explaining instead that an open selection process would begin this week.
“We have not discussed candidates at all because we will go through that process, which will be opened on Monday,” he said.
Asked whether he could emerge as a “surprise candidate” in any Johor state seat, Rafizi ruled out the possibility due to state eligibility requirements.
“How can I contest? For a state assembly seat, you must be a resident of that state. So, I’m not in the running,” he said.
The 56-seat Johor state assembly was dissolved with immediate effect on June 1 after Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim consented to it.
Three days later, the 36-seat Negeri Sembilan state assembly followed suit after incumbent menteri besar Aminuddin Harun obtained the consent of then-state ruler, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.
Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar was proclaimed as the new Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan the next day. - Mkini
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