PAS logo practical for PN but risks losing non-Malay votes, say analysts

Analysts have warned that while PAS’s logo is the most practical option for Perikatan Nasional (PN) components in the Melaka election if the coalition remains suspended, using it carries risks, particularly to its ability to attract non-Malay voters and those in mixed constituencies.

Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia said PAS’s logo was more recognisable than those of other component parties, but using it outside the party’s traditional strongholds such as Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu could present challenges.

“In other states, they use the PN logo because using PAS’s logo is somewhat sensitive as the party is seen as rather extreme. Moreover, non-Malays associate PAS with Islam,” he told FMT.

Mazlan said the situation also raised questions over whether Gerakan or Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP) candidates should contest under the PAS logo, as this could create the perception that they are too closely aligned with the party’s agenda.

However, he added that the logos of other PN parties were not as recognisable as PAS’s.

“If you use the Gerakan logo, the Malays won’t recognise it. Even fewer voters recognise MIPP. Wawasan is still new, and voters have yet to become familiar with its logo.

“I think for now, the most recognisable logo is PAS’s. It is the best option despite having several shortcomings,” he said.

He was commenting on a call by Gerakan president Dominic Lau for PN component parties to use a single symbol in the Melaka polls if the coalition’s suspension by the Registrar of Societies (RoS) remained unresolved.

Lau also dismissed suggestions that any component party should contest under another logo, following a report that Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was open to discussing the possibility of PAS using BN’s “dacing” symbol.

Mazlan said contesting under the BN logo could raise questions about PAS’s ties with other PN parties and affect nominations, as Zahid would have to sign the candidates’ appointment letters.

RoS suspended PN’s activities effective Sept 23 following a notice issued to the coalition seeking an explanation of a complaint lodged by Bersatu.

Afifi Abdul Razak of Universiti Utara Malaysia agreed that PAS’s logo could be the most logical choice in Malay-majority constituencies if PN remained suspended.

However, he said Gerakan’s logo might be more suitable in mixed or non-Malay constituencies, although the party’s machinery and level of recognition would also need to be taken into account.

Afifi said other parties such as Wawasan were still new to Melaka voters, while Pejuang and MIPP were smaller and less well-known.

“If absolute uniformity is required, PAS offers the highest value in terms of votes,” he said.

“However, it does not meet the requirement for a national symbol that is accepted by all races.”

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