Key facts
- Malaysia's Bersama party is holding public auditions to find election candidates.
- The party was founded by former economy minister Rafizi Ramli.
- The move comes ahead of state polls in Johor and Negeri Sembilan.
- These state assemblies have been dissolved to pave the way for elections.
Malaysia's nascent political party, Bersama, has initiated an unusual public recruitment drive, holding auditions to identify potential candidates for upcoming state elections. The party's founder, former economy minister Rafizi Ramli, is reportedly racing against time to build Bersama into a formidable political entity ahead of polls in Johor and Negeri Sembilan. Both states recently dissolved their legislative assemblies, setting the stage for elections that must occur before the next general election, constitutionally due by early 2028. The specific dates for the Johor and Negeri Sembilan polls have not yet been announced.