04/06/2026

THURSDAY | JUNE 4, 2026

3 Youth committed to casting ballots if snap elections called

Bersama to face first electoral test in Johor Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: The newly relaunched Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) has confirmed it will contest in the upcoming Johor state election, setting the stage for its first electoral test less than a month after its return to the political arena. The party said the decision was finalised following discussions involving its leadership and selected members nationwide, with seat negotiations and candidate planning underway. In a statement yesterday, Bersama said further discussions with its Johor leadership would be held to determine the constituencies it would contest. The party was relaunched on May 17 by former PKR leaders Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. “Johor opens a space for us to introduce Bersama to voters in the state although the party is less than a month old. “It also allows us to develop our election machinery within a short period and test its strengths and weaknesses as preparation for future elections.” As part of its election preparations, Bersama announced that its nationwide “Jelajah Kancil”roadshow would begin in Johor on June 6 and conclude in July. Following Johor, the roadshow is scheduled to continue through Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Selangor, Penang, Kedah, Perlis and Kuala Lumpur. The roadshow will focus on the party’s 12-point agenda, with each stop highlighting one of its key policy priorities. Bersama added that it was encouraged by the support and feedback received since its relaunch and pledged to offer voters a positive, innovative and future-oriented campaign. The Johor state assembly was dissolved on Monday, triggering the constitutional process for a state election. Polling must be held within 60 days of the dissolution, with voters expected to head to the ballot box by the end of July.

o Soaring travel costs, short notice, work commitments, questions over candidate quality among concerns of young Malaysians keen to exercise democratic duty

Unity government, Ti said it should not be viewed as a formal political alliance and insisted BN should chart its own course in the state. “We only have a tahaluf siyasi relationship with DAP, not a coalition,” he said, using a term popularised by PAS to describe political cooperation without forming a formal coalition. Ti also claimed that the current political landscape had shifted and DAP could no longer claim superiority over MCA, as the two parties are now “in parity”. the Kampung Bahagia fire in Batu Sapi in April. “I have been watching him do work for the community, and the results have been very satisfying. That is why I would vote for him.” Meanwhile, Niraen Paranjothy, 24, a public relations account manager in Kuala Lumpur who votes in Seremban, Negri Sembilan said travel is not a concern given the constituency is only about an hour’s drive away. He added that the credibility and quality of candidates would play a big role in determining his vote. Niraen said he would likely favour candidates capable of delivering stability while supporting the Unity government framework. Sabrina Zali, 27, a project coordinator in Singapore who votes in Putrajaya, said she would make the trip home if a snap election were to be called. “I believe every vote counts. Those we choose in the election should help make Malaysia a better nation. So, choose wisely. “A strong candidate, whether old or young, if he has a good vision, support him. Experience matters too, whether it is gained locally or internationally. Most of all, he must be one who says no to bribes.” Muhammad Faiz Naqiuddin, 27, a video editor in Petaling Jaya who votes in Parit Buntar, Perak, said he would return to vote because he believes every ballot matters. He said work commitments and the challenge of keeping up with political developments could influence how young voters, including himself, make their choices. Juliana, 37, a teacher based in Pahang who votes in Pasir Puteh, Kelantan, said no obstacle would prevent her from casting her ballot, regardless of when an election is called. “I believe voting is both a right and a responsibility, and it is important for me to participate in choosing leaders who will represent the people.” She said her decision would be guided by a candidate’s credibility, commitment and ability to deliver meaningful results rather than political affiliation alone.

PETALING Young Malaysians living away from their voting constituencies say they remain committed to casting their ballots if a snap election is called, but added that soaring travel costs, short notice, work commitments and concerns over candidate quality could determine whether they make the journey home. Their views come as Johor heads for a state election following the dissolution of its legislative assembly, while political attention is also on Negri Sembilan after a recent state leadership situation. However, speculation over further snap polls remains just that, with no official indication that another general election would be called this year. For many young voters, the willingness to vote remains strong but practical challenges could stand in the way. Alicia Christine Netto, 26, a public relations consultant based in Petaling Jaya who votes in Johor JAYA:

given sufficient time to plan, as airfares between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah could rise sharply if booked close to the date of travel. “If it happens within a short period of time, I may not be able to do so. But if it can be planned, then yes.” He said if there are only one or two weeks before polling date, airfares could be above RM500 one way. Safwan said he already has a preferred candidate in mind. He said he is inclined to support Warisan’s Alias Sani after observing his work in Sandakan, including online footage showing the assemblyman assisting victims and guiding residents to safety during

Bahru, said returning home to vote may be difficult. “My hometown is in Johor and travelling back would require additional planning, time and expenses. “That said, I still recognise the importance of voting and would consider making the trip depending on the circumstances and logistics closer to the election date.” She said she would assess candidates based on their track record, plans for the local community and campaign issues. For Safwan Adlan, 26, a human resources consultant in Shah Alam who votes in Sandakan, Sabah, the biggest hurdle would be the cost of flights. He said he would return only if

Despite challenges involving travel costs and work schedules, young voters are generally keen to exercise the right to cast their ballots. – SYED AZAHAR SYED OSMAN/THESUN

BN should contest in Malacca polls on its own: Former MCA veep

Ű BY T.C. KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

support base. “Give us time. We can and will make a strong comeback.” Ti said MCA’s defeats should serve as a wake-up call rather than a reason to write off the party, citing Bob Dylan’s classic song The Times They Are a-Changin . Quoting its lyrics, “for the loser now will be later to win”, he said political fortunes could change, and MCA should not be underestimated. Referring to MCA’s current relationship with DAP under the

Machap Jaya and Klebang. “MCA was founded by Tun Tan Cheng Lock from Malacca, and we have a very strong presence, tradition and political legacy here.” Ti attributed MCA’s past electoral setbacks to a combination of factors, including poor strategy, complacency and damage arising from its association with other political parties. Despite the setbacks, he expressed confidence that the party could rebuild its

be doing an injustice to the party,” he told theSun . Ti, who is also a former deputy minister, said he has consistently advocated MCA and BN contest elections on their own. He added that MCA should also be allowed to contest seven seats and not be limited to only two in Malacca as it would undermine its long-standing roots in the state. In the 2021 state election in Malacca, MCA contested in seven constituencies under the BN banner but only won two, in

PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional (BN) should contest in the next Malacca state election on its own rather than continue cooperation with Pakatan Harapan, said former MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker. He said MCA should also be allocated all the seats it had previously contested in the state. “BN should stand solo. Otherwise, the BN leadership will