PETALING JAYA – PAS vice-president Amar Abdullah has warned that PAS and other political parties must take Parti Bersama Malaysia seriously, describing it as a potential competitor for younger voters.

He said while long-time PAS members were unlikely to be influenced, younger voters—particularly first-time voters—could be drawn to Bersama’s political approach.

“Other parties, including PAS, must take this seriously. We must think about how not to lose younger voters. The issues championed by Rafizi, such as governance and abuse of power, are close to the hearts of younger voters who are generally idealistic,” he was quoted as saying by Sinar Harian in Kota Bharu, Kelantan.

Amar also described Bersama’s open candidate system as “clever”, adding that the party’s true strength had yet to be accurately assessed.

On June 8, Bersama leaders Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad announced that the party had opened applications for Malaysians interested in becoming election candidates, with priority given to applicants in Johor and Negeri Sembilan.

Applicants are required to register as members and undergo a three-phase assessment process, which includes declaring their income and assets, as well as providing details on education, career, and family background.

Candidates will also be evaluated through background screening and qualitative surveys conducted within their local communities.

On Sunday, Rafizi said Bersama aimed to field 70% of its candidates under the age of 50, while also prioritising women candidates for upcoming elections.