JOHOR BAHRU, June 7 -- Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) will not enter into negotiations with other political parties and will instead remain an independent contender in the upcoming Johor state election, says Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli.

The party's de facto leader said Bersama is steadfast in its decision to contest independently, despite the risk of losing its election deposits.

"Although Bersama is only three weeks old, the party is set to offer an alternative choice to voters," Rafizi told reporters last night.

"If we don't lose our deposits, it means that the seeds we planted have started to grow. In the event that we do lose them, we will simply work harder and reassess our weaknesses."

Rafizi was speaking after the party's first r...