The likelihood of Pakatan Harapan's logo appearing on the ballot slip is looking extremely remote, prompting discussions on whether all the coalition's candidates for the coming polls should adopt the logo of one of the four parties.
Several sources said that this was discussed during the Harapan presidential council meeting last Tuesday and all parties have been told to state their stand by the next meeting, which has been fixed for tomorrow (Tuesday).
Harapan submitted its papers to register as a formal coalition with the Registrar of Societies (ROS) nine months ago but the process has been delayed ostensibly due to problems faced by coalition member Bersatu.
The motivation behind all parties contesting under a single logo is to display unity and cohesiveness.
Previously, Harapan chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad had said the coalition had a 'Plan B' and 'Plan C', should the ROS become a stumbling block.
What is apparent is that these “plans” are still being discussed and the choices now appear to be limited to using the logo of either PKR or Amanah, should they choose the single logo route.
Bersatu may not be able to use its own logo should the ROS fulfil its deregistration threat.
As for DAP, those familiar with the meeting said coalition leaders are concerned that the logo should not be used because the Malays are apprehensive about the party.
"You cannot have DAP's symbol in Malay areas, that's for sure," said a source.
Resorting to status quo
Adopting the Amanah logo for the coalition may cause problems for the coalition as well, because Harapan-leaning PAS supporters may view the splinter-party as antithetical to PAS.
Amanah was formed by a group of disgruntled leaders who broke off from PAS in 2015.
PKR, on the other hand, has a much longer history and has a foothold in some rural Malay parts of the country, although it enjoys a greater presence in mixed-ethnicity areas.
Either way, sources said, borrowing another party’s logo as the common logo will come with its share of disadvantages and all these issues need to be resolved soon.
“If all fails, we will resort to status quo, adopting our own logo just like what Pakatan Rakyat did in 2013,” said a source.
Pakatan Rakyat made slight gains in 2013 without a common logo, although PAS’ fared slightly worse than in 2008.
Even if Harapan decides not to take the common logo route, Bersatu may have to borrow another party’s logo for the 14th general election if the party is deregistered by the ROS. -Mkini
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