Malaysia’s newest “rebel party” has issued a rare public call for election candidates, as former economy minister Rafizi Ramli races to turn his breakaway Bersama outfit into a serious force before a string of state polls.

The move comes after Johor dissolved its assembly last Monday, with Negeri Sembilan doing the same on Friday, paving the way for polls in both states well before the next general election, which must be held by early 2028. A date has yet to be set for both state polls.

Bersama, led by Rafizi and former environment minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, both of whom dramatically left Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s People’s Justice Party (PKR) last month, said Malaysians who wanted to stand under its banner could apply through the party’s website from Monday.

“Bersama’s desire to pioneer a political culture focused on the people’s talent and the future is now being realised through an open process to select Bersama candidates in elections,” the party said in a statement on Monday.

Applicants must submit personal, education, career, family and financial details, including income and assets, before going through what the party described as an algorithm-run screening interview to assess their charisma, presentation and readiness to become election candidates.

A candidate committee will then examine their expertise, political background, suitability by seat, gender, age and race, as well as whether they can help shape Bersama’s public image. Shortlisted names will face digital checks, local community feedback and a final in-person interview with the central team.