PETALING JAYA: Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) will skip contesting the upcoming Negri Sembilan state election and instead focus on the Melaka state election.
The party said that among the factors that led to the decision was Pakatan Harapan's position as the incumbent state government and the expected fierce competition between the coalition and Barisan Nasional at the state polls.
In a statement on Wednesday (July 15), Bersama cited that the outcome of the Negri Sembilan election could influence other issues that currently stand out in the state's political landscape.
This includes a tussle between two claimants to the throne of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar.
"The upcoming Negeri Sembilan state election has several distinct differences compared to the recent Johor state election.
"Taking these issues as well as time and resource constraints into account, we believe it is more strategic to shift our focus to the Melaka state election, which is scheduled to take place in a few months.
"As such, we will not be participating in the Negri Sembilan state elections," the party said in the statement.
Bersama said it will hold a meeting next Tuesday (July 21) to plan and identify the seats it intends to contest in the Melaka polls.
"The meeting will begin with the screening process of candidates picked to contest so that we can announce their identities early.
"We hope that with more time in hand, the party will be better prepared for the Malacca state polls," Bersama said.
The party also expressed its gratitude to Bersama members and volunteers who had eagerly stepped up to serve the party for the Negri Sembilan state election, although they have yet to recover from the fatigue of campaigning at the recently concluded Johor polls.
The nomination of candidates for the Negri Sembilan state elections is expected to take place on Saturday.
