Lambang sendiri tak cukup, PKR perlu naratif kuat, kata penganalisis

PKR needs a stronger political narrative to win over voters, not just its own symbols in the upcoming elections, according to an analyst. PKR chairman Ahmad Danish Hairudin suggested the party should use its own symbol, starting with the PRN in Melaka. Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri, an analyst from Global Asia Consulting, believes the symbol will not suffice to replace the need for a clear political agenda that appeals to voters.

Voters are looking for hope and a bright future, not nostalgia, he said. PKR's failure to convince voters in the 2022 PRN Johor election, where they only won one out of 20 contested seats, highlights the importance of a strong narrative. Danish, representing Selangor, said it is time for the party to use its own symbol in the upcoming polls, beginning with the PRN in Melaka.

He claimed the symbol has helped bring the majority of people's votes to defeat BN for the first time at the federal level in 2018. PH and Bersatu, led by Dr Mahathir Mohamad, won the 2015 PRU with PKR's support and the ticket. Tawfik Yaakub of Universiti Malaya said using PKR's logo again could help strengthen the reformist identity and a sense of ownership among the grassroots.

However, the impact on a broader section of voters depends on how the strategy is communicated. Voters still see PKR as part of PH, regardless of the logo used, as the relationship between component parties is more significant than the symbol on a ballot paper. "Even if the PKR logo is strengthened, it cannot replace the need to offer a clear political agenda to voters," he added.