PRN Melaka: Logo PAS paling praktikal tapi risiko hilang undi bukan Melayu

Melaka's PRN: PAS Logo Practical But Risk Of Losing Malay Voters

PAS's logo is recognized in predominantly Malay constituencies but not in mixed seats, according to analysts. In the upcoming PRN Melaka, the logo could be the most practical choice for the Perikatan Nasional coalition, if the mix of parties continues to hold, says analyst Mazlan Ali. However, its use poses risks, especially in gaining support from non-Malays and mixed constituencies.

Mazlan Ali from the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) stated that the issue of PN parties choosing their badges makes the situation complex as each emblem comes with its own limitations. If PAS opts to contest under Barisan Nasional (BN), it could bring questions about its connection with other PN components, besides raising concerns over candidate nominations to be signed by BN's chairman Zahid Hamidi.

Furthermore, PAS's logo is more familiar than other component parties, but its use outside the country may pose a challenge. "In other states, they use the PN logo because using the PAS symbol is seen as provocative due to its extreme nature. Additionally, non-Malays see the PAS symbol linked to Islam," he told FMT. He discussed People's Justice Party (PKR) vice-president Dominic Lau's desire for all PN components to use a single symbol in Melaka if the mix continues to hold.

Lau also echoed the idea of component parties contesting with different logos as a follow-up to the mention of Zahid. The JPPM temporarily holds the PRN on September 23, pending objections raised by Bersatu and the coalition, which need to address concerns raised by involved agencies. Mazlan Ali further stated that the situation also raises questions if Gerakan or Parti Rakyat India Malaysia (MIPP) candidates contest using PAS's logo due to it potentially giving the impression of being too closely aligned with the party's agenda.

At the same time, he said that other parties' logos in PN do not have the same level of recognition among voters. "To use the Gerakan logo, Malays won't recognize it. MIPP voters are even less familiar with it. Would the Vision symbol be accepted? It's still new, and the people are not ready yet," he said. Afifi Abdul Razak from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) also pointed out pragmatically that PAS might be the most logical choice for predominantly Malay constituencies if PN remains stuck.

However, he added, Gerakan's symbol might be more suitable for mixed or non-Malay seats, though the strength of diversity and parties' recognition levels need to be taken into account. Other parties like Wawasan are still new to Melaka's voters, while Pejuang and MIPP are smaller and less recognized. "If it's a complete uniformity, PAS gives the highest vote value, but it doesn't meet the criteria of a national symbol accepted by different communities," he said.