KUANTAN: Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) is using the Johor state election as an early platform to gauge the level of public support for the party, which was established just a month ago.
Its leader, Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, said the outcome of the state election would serve as a benchmark to assess voter acceptance of Bersama, including among the Malay, Chinese and Indian communities.
According to him, the party has its own support targets used to measure the strength and future potential of the new political movement.
Rafizi emphasised that the Johor polls are a continuous process to introduce Bersama to voters.
At the same time, Rafizi explained that whatever the outcome of the Johor election, it would not change the direction and strategy of Bersama, which will continue to move solo.
"The public also understands that it is quite impossible for a party established just a month ago to defeat major parties like Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan," he said.
"So, it will not change our strategy to continue moving solo until the next election, and even for the long term if possible," Rafizi told Astro Awani after the Jelajah Kancil programme here on Sunday (June 21).
He added that the results of the Johor polls would be used to rectify the party's weaknesses, but would not alter Bersama's direction or strategy of remaining independent.
In a related development, Rafizi also revealed that more than 70 individuals had offered themselves to stand as candidates for the party in Johor.
The official announcement on the number of seats Bersama will contest is expected to be made today, while the introduction of candidates is scheduled for Friday (June 19).
