Melaka election: Pas' willingness to use BN logo signals pragmatic approach

KUALA LUMPUR: Pas' willingness to contest the Melaka election under the Barisan Nasional logo shows that the latter now has stronger bargaining power, especially in the state.

This is particularly so as it seeks to consolidate Malay votes and avoid clashes between similarly-minded parties.

However, this is not simply a case of Pas "bowing" to BN, say analysts.

Rather, Universiti Malaya political analyst Dr Tawfik Yaakub said the move suggests both sides are willing to put electoral considerations ahead of party symbolism as they negotiate how to maximise their strengths in Melaka.

"I see it as Pas being more pragmatic in seeking a formula that allows the party to remain relevant and competitive.

"I do not see this move as a desperate move but rather as a step to avoid vote splitting and open up room for cooperation with a party that has a strong machinery and influence in Melaka," he told the New Straits Times.

Tawfik said the Registrar of Societies' suspension of Perikatan Nasional's activities had also prompted Pas to explore other options.

He said Pas still had the option of using its own logo, but the final decision would depend on seat negotiations, the form of cooperation and which option would benefit the party most in the election.

On the response from Pas' supporters, Tawfik said it could vary from one area to another and depend on how the decision was explained.

"Some supporters may accept it as a tactical move to avoid clashes and increase the chances of victory.

"However, we should not dismiss the possibility that some may feel uncomfortable, as the Pas logo carries its own sense of identity and loyalty (wala')," he said.

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Tawfik said the risk of grassroots rejection could be reduced if negotiations resulted in a fair seat allocation, locally accepted candidates and a clear explanation that using the BN logo was intended to facilitate electoral cooperation.

He said the Melaka election could serve as an early test of the cooperation, particularly if it produced clear benefits and strengthened future negotiations.

"If not, I think both parties may return to pursuing their own respective strategies," he said.

Tawfik's UM colleague, sociopolitical analyst Professor Datuk Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi, said the willingness to use the BN logo should be viewed as political flexibility rather than Pas surrendering its autonomy.

"It can be seen as a sign that both parties are increasingly willing to prioritise electoral strategic compatibility over the importance of symbols alone.

"If Pas genuinely agrees to use the BN logo, it would also imply that BN is becoming a point of unity in the cooperation," he said.

Awang Azman said the response from Pas' grassroots could be one of the biggest challenges for the party leadership.

He said some Pas supporters had a strong attachment to the Pas logo of a white moon on a field of green, which had been the party's identity for decades.

"Any change in logo would naturally require an explanation to the grassroots.

"However, acceptance could be easier if the leadership could explain that using a shared logo is merely an electoral instrument and does not mean Pas is abandoning its identity or organisational principles," he said.

He said the Melaka election could serve as a testing ground for the level of trust between BN and Pas.

"If both sides can resolve the issues that are usually the most difficult in any political cooperation such as seat allocations, candidates and symbols, it would indicate that their relationship has entered a more practical stage," he said.