Johor state election: Bersama eyes Chinese votes as PAS backs BN's MCA, MIC

The newly formed Bersama Malaysia party, co‑founded by former PKR MP Rafizi Ramli, will contest 15 of the 56 Johor state assembly seats. Analysts say the party hopes to attract Chinese voters, who make up between 24.5 % and 61.1 % of the electorate in those constituencies, potentially siphoning votes from the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition. Bersama’s candidates are largely unknown and the party is not yet part of any coalition, factors that may limit its impact.

In a separate tactical move, PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man has instructed PAS supporters to vote for Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates—including those of the Chinese‑voting parties MCA and MIC—in 23 constituencies where Perikatan Nasional is not fielding a candidate. PAS says the aim is to deny seats to PH and keep the Democratic Action Party out of the next Johor state government. BN thanked supporters but stressed there is no formal alliance, while MCA’s leader rejected claims of collusion. Voting is scheduled for Saturday 11 July, with early voting on Tuesday 7 July.