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

Analysts have expressed concerns that PAS's logo, while easily recognized in Malay-majority areas, may not be suitable for use by Perikatan Nasional (PN) components in mixed constituencies for the Melaka election. Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia noted that PAS's logo is more recognizable than those of other coalition parties, but using it outside its traditional strongholds could pose challenges.

In other states, PN candidates often switch to the PN logo due to PAS's perceived extremism. Additionally, non-Malays associate PAS with Islam, which could be a concern. The situation also raises questions about whether candidates from other parties, such as Gerakan or the Malaysian Indian People’s Party, should contest under PAS's logo, as this could give the impression of too close an alignment with PAS's agenda.

However, Mazlan emphasized that the logos of other PN parties are not as recognizable as PAS's. He believed that for now, PAS's logo remains the most recognizable option, despite its shortcomings. Gerakan president Dominic Lau had previously called for PN components to use a single symbol in the Melaka polls if the coalition remains suspended, but dismissed suggestions of using another logo, such as BN's dancing symbol.

Afifi Abdul Razak of Universiti Utara Malaysia agreed that PAS's logo could be the most logical choice in Malay-majority constituencies, but suggested Gerakan's logo might be more suitable in mixed or non-Malay areas. Other parties like Wawasan and Pejuang were also considered less known in Melaka. Ultimately, Mazlan concluded that while PAS's logo offers the highest value in terms of votes, it does not fully meet the requirement for a nationally accepted symbol by all races.