SHAH ALAM - Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) has taken an unprecedented step in election campaigning by making the personal and financial backgrounds of all its candidates fully accessible to the public.
Ahead of the Johor state election, voters are able to scrutinise the 15 individuals fielded by the party. Their profiles, detailing asset declarations, educational attainments and career experience, have been put up for public display.
The initiative highlights the party’s commitment to financial accountability, allowing the electorate to independently verify the track records and integrity of those seeking public office.
In his speech during the candidate unveiling on Friday night, Bersama leader Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli stressed that the party deliberately chose to field everyday citizens rather than established political heavyweights.
"They have no big names, they are not grand figures, they are from among ordinary people, but they will raise the voice of the people as a true representative should," he said.
Rafizi pointed out that mainstream political parties were often too absorbed in internal power struggles to genuinely address bread-and-butter issues affecting the grassroots.
He cited South Johor’s severe traffic congestion and the widening disconnect between stagnant wages and skyrocketing property prices, particularly with the rapid investments pouring into the region.
The 15 candidates were filtered from 73 applications received by the party. Of those selected, 67 per cent are aged 50 and below, while the lineup features three women.
Prior to his speech on Friday night, Rafizi also shared a TikTok video explaining the matter.
@zuraidahrose_13 commented: "Under the leadership of Rafizi Ramli, Bersama seems very systematic. It is more convincing for the people."
@xera0665 commented: "A very detailed explanation, honest and transparent. This is what the people want."
@zdny66 commented: "If all parties adopted this approach, our elections would be cleaner and the elected government would have greater integrity and earn the people's trust."
Today marks Nomination Day for the Johor state election, while polling will take place on July 11.