Can Bersama still be seen as a “different choice” for Johor voters?

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Bersama is struggling to be seen as a “different choice” for Johor voters because it is viewed as lacking substantive separation from existing parties and is criticised for late candidate announcements.

With the Johor election starting in three days, the criticism is that Bersama has positioned itself as the better choice but has not delivered the “different choice” it promises. The party is also accused of unveiling its candidates close to the nomination deadline—15 candidates to be revealed 12 hours before nominations—leaving voters less time to get familiar with them.
Bersama’s pitch versus what voters are being offered
Bersama, founded by Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad after they left their previous party and their parliamentary seats, is framed as having “no substantive difference” from the usual political options. The concern is that if Bersama is not meaningfully distinct, incumbency would likely benefit.

The criticism also points to Bersama’s practice of selecting candidates who are described as “been around” figures rather than people presented as offering genuinely new ideas. In this framing, voters are not shown a clear alternative identity beyond a familiar political template.
Late candidate unveilings are portrayed as limiting voter familiarity
The timing of Bersama’s candidate unveiling is singled out as a key weakness. The party is said to be unveiling 15 candidates tomorrow evening, 12 hours from the nomination deadline.

The argument is connected to how campaign durations were shortened in the 1980s by Dr Mahathir, with the effect of rushing campaigns so opponents are less able to familiarise voters. Against that backdrop, the view is that new parties need more time for their core principles and candidates to “coagulate” in voters’ minds.
The Zahid Hamidi corruption charges remain a question mark
Bersama is also questioned on how it would handle the Zahid Hamidi corruption charges, referred to in the Akal Budi case involving 47 corruption charges. The criticism is that Bersama does not present a clear position on the Zahid question.

Within this framing, it is described as unlikely that Rafizi would say it was wrong not to pursue the case, and the party is portrayed as lacking the contrition needed to cleanse itself of past political compromises.
The wider fear is that Bersama could become another populist option
The criticism extends to Bersama’s broader direction, with an expectation that it could end up as another populist party rather than a movement with a distinct philosophical core. The concern is that Rafizi and Nik Nazmi might rely on recycled leadership and a lack of original ideas.

The columnist also argues that the campaign for the 16th General Election “should have started two years ago,” and treats the Johor contest as a test of whether Bersama will build its own identity rather than act as a “less dull” variation of PKR.

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Can Bersama still be seen as a “different choice” for Johor voters?

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