Bersama pulls out of Negeri Sembilan election, targets medaka battle with early preparations

PARTI Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) will not contest the upcoming Negeri Sembilan state election, choosing instead to channel its full attention towards the Melaka state election expected to take place in the coming months.

In a statement today, party leaders said the Negeri Sembilan election, which begins with candidate nominations on Saturday (July 18), carries significant differences compared with the recent Johor state election, particularly in terms of political dynamics and strategic considerations.

The party said the contest between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) in Negeri Sembilan is expected to be more closely fought, with PH entering the election as the incumbent state government.

The party added that the outcome of the Negeri Sembilan polls could also influence wider political developments, including issues linked to the current political tensions involving the Negeri Sembilan royal institution.

“Taking into account these issues, as well as constraints involving time and resources, Bersama believes it is more strategic for its focus to shift towards the Melaka state election, which will be held several months from now,” the party said.

The decision will allow Bersama to begin preparations earlier for Melaka, with the party scheduled to hold its first election preparation meeting on Tuesday (July 21) to identify potential constituencies and begin screening prospective candidates.

Bersama said the early process would enable the party to announce its candidates sooner and provide them with more time to prepare for the Melaka contest.

Expressing appreciation to its supporters, the party said: “We would like to express our deepest appreciation to Bersama members and volunteers who were enthusiastically prepared to be mobilised for the Negeri Sembilan state election, despite the exhaustion from the Johor election still lingering.”

“We hope the longer preparation period will provide room for Bersama to enter the Melaka state election better prepared, while taking into account other considerations that have been carefully evaluated.”

Bersama ended its statement by wishing Negeri Sembilan voters well in the upcoming state election, adding: “InsyaAllah, we will meet again in the 16th General Election.”

The statement was signed by Bersama de facto leader Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, Former Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad and party President Syukri Razab. - July 15, 2026