Bersama looking to make small gains in Melaka polls, not wins

Wong Chen, a prominent leader within the political party Bersama, has revealed that the group is not aiming for victory in the upcoming Melaka state elections. Recognizing Melaka as a stronghold of the ruling party Umno, Chen acknowledged the significant challenge the party faces in securing a seat in the state legislature. Utusan Malaysia reported on Wong's comments, noting that Bersama is targeting modest electoral improvements.

Chen, alongside fellow Bersama leaders Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, admitted that Melaka would be the party's second bid. He explained that while the party was not expecting to win, it hoped to improve on its performance from the recent Johor polls. In Johor, Bersama managed to secure 6% of the vote share, and Chen expressed optimism about potentially increasing this figure to 12% in Melaka.

The party has nominated 15 candidates for the Melaka polls, including Dr Solehin Saleh, brother of Umno Youth chief and former Merlimau assemblyman Dr Akmal Saleh. Chen, a former PKR leader, stated that Bersama might abstain from the Sarawak polls, instead focusing on other regional elections leading up to the next general election (GE16).

Chen pointed to urban centers like Kuala Lumpur and Selangor as key battlegrounds where Bersama has a stronger presence. In contrast, he noted that the party's influence in Johor and Melaka is weaker, suggesting these areas may be more receptive to progressive, multiracial candidates. Chen reiterated Bersama's goal of winning 10 parliamentary seats in GE16, deeming this a realistic target given the party's evolving composition.

Since its inception in May, Bersama has attracted former members from PKR, Umno, and PAS, Chen noted. He expressed confidence that a moderate and progressive platform, complemented by strong Malay leadership and a multiracial approach, could resonate with middle-class and urban voters. Chen sees Bersama's diverse makeup as particularly appealing to these demographics, positioning the party for future electoral success.