Pact reached in principle to use PH logo in GE15, say sources
PETALING JAYA: Some PKR leaders may be fighting for the party’s logo to be used by the opposition coalition in the next general election (GE15) but in all probability, it is likely to be the Pakatan Harapan (PH) ensign that will prevail. According to PH sources, an agreement was reached…
PETALING JAYA: Some PKR leaders may be fighting for the party’s logo to be used by the opposition coalition in the next general election (GE15) but in all probability, it is likely to be the Pakatan Harapan (PH) ensign that will prevail.
According to PH sources, an agreement was reached in principle during its leaders’ retreat held in Port Dickson in April.
“All leaders had their say and obviously, some in PKR appear to be saying that the grassroots members are very sentimental about their flag, especially after being accepted by Malaysians in GE14. They argue that their logo does not carry any baggage,” said an insider.
“However, the detractors say PKR is identified with political frogs led by Azmin Ali and gang who caused the fall of PH in the Sheraton Move,” he said, adding that each logo carried its own weaknesses but they would portray strength by combining their synergies under the PH banner.
Eventually, according to another source, the PH logo prevailed and a consensus was reached.
The source said PH chairman and PKR president Anwar Ibrahim has been entrusted with making the announcement at the appropriate time.
“He asked for more time to convince the grassroots members that using the PH logo is the best way to go as he has been named the coalition’s prime ministerial candidate. He said this has to be done carefully so as not to rock the boat,” he said.
According to him, some said it would be ridiculous if Anwar, being the PH choice for prime minister, uses the PKR logo in the campaign.
The opposition coalition comprising PKR, DAP and Amanah are currently embroiled in a public spat on the choice of its ticket for GE15, which sources say could potentially cause much tension if Anwar fails to convince his members that the PH logo is the best way forward.
The spat started when PKR Youth chief and Johor Baru MP Akmal Nasir said in his policy speech at its congress that PH should use his party’s logo to “restore the people’s confidence”.
In an almost immediate response, DAP Youth chief Howard Lee said the suggestion was unwise, adding that PH is a registered entity, unlike during GE14.
The insider said Amanah and DAP have no issues as they felt PH is going in as a united team, so using the PKR flag will raise questions on its unity.
He said if the parties cannot come to a compromise on a simple matter like this, Malaysians will question whether PH will continue being disunited after winning federal power.
Besides being sentimental and trying to “show” some superiority, one source said some felt that the PH logo is also associated with Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who led the coalition into GE14.
“There is this group in PKR that does not want to have any link whatsoever with Mahathir for not handing over the prime minister’s post as promised,” he said.
He said PH managed to win three by-elections after GE14 using its logo in Port Dickson (PKR), Balakong (DAP) and Sungai Kandis (PKR).
A PKR source said Anwar has to show that he is really firm on this matter because if he fails to do so, this issue could result in a major dissent which their rivals could easily exploit.
“The sooner the decision is made, the better for PH as the people are watching. Anwar himself won the Port Dickson seat using the coalition’s logo. His handling of this simple issue will show if he is a uniting or divisive force.
“We hope he makes an announcement soon as GE15 will be the first thing that will happen after herd immunity is achieved,” he said, adding that this may be in less than a year. — Free Malaysia Today