Amanah, DAP subtly rebuke PKR for flying solo in Johor

 

PKR’s allies have issued a subtle rebuke of its decision to contest the upcoming Johor election under the PKR flag instead of the Pakatan Harapan logo.

While they expressed “respect” for PKR’s decision, Amanah and DAP said it was preferable if coalition partners appeared more united.

“As a coalition, Amanah and DAP would prefer all Harapan allies to unite under the same symbol with a common purpose and a shared political agenda.

“Both Amanah and DAP are of the opinion that political allies and coalition partners stay together in good times and in bad times,” they said in a statement today.

Jointly issued by Amanah president Mohamad Sabu and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, they contended that a common logo signalled a united front and a “seriousness” to govern.

“A single logo is necessary to showcase to voters the coalition’s seriousness in preparing to govern and to create the effect of a solid intact team during (an) election.

“Swing voters generally respond positively to coalitions or parties which they perceive could win power and could work together despite differences,” they argued.

This was especially true in the Johor polls where they are up against two formidable incumbent coalitions - BN and Perikatan Nasional.

“Having a common logo would have helped voters to identify Amanah, DAP, PKR and Upko as allies of Harapan in a crowded field of political coalitions and parties,” they added.

We won’t abandon Harapan

Mohamad and Lim assured supporters that their parties will not “abandon” Harapan.

“We still have the three Harapan state governments - Penang, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan - to deliver for the rakyat.

“For this reason, both Amanah and DAP will not abandon the coalition logo which will be perceived as abandoning our effort to regain the federal government for the rakyat,” they said.

Furthermore, they said they will continue pushing for a united opposition front by engaging PKR and parties like Muda “for any semblance of hope to secure victory” in the Johor polls.

Yesterday, PKR organising secretary Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad contended that the Harapan logo had too much “baggage” from being associated with its 22-month stint in power.

Not only was the PKR flag more recognisable, he also said PKR grassroots members had requested for the party’s flag to be used.

In an apparent response to such sentiments, former ministers Mohamad and Lim said the Harapan administration could have done more if it had not been toppled by an internal coup.

“While the short-lived Harapan government had shortcomings, there were singular successes including fighting corruption [...]

“There is no doubt that if Harapan had enjoyed the full five-year tenure instead of being betrayed by defecting MPs in the infamous Sheraton Move after only 22 months, there would have been many more success stories,” they said. - Mkini