MELAKA – Having won only two seats in the entire history of Melaka’s elections, PAS appears bullish this time as it is now contesting under the Perikatan Nasional (PN) banner.
Several party leaders and candidates The Vibes spoke to during the campaigning period for the upcoming polls have expressed confidence about winning seats.
Melaka PAS commissioner Datuk Kamaruddin Sidek probably summed it up best when he said that those previously “allergic” to the Islamist party are now more open about voting for its candidates.
“Our core voters remain. But there are some who are allergic to the moon (PAS’ logo), allergic to a religious party. So the non-religious groups see us as an unrealistic option.
“With this new logo and image under PN, and seeing PAS sitting with PN at the federal and state levels, this is how we plan to get the support, other than just our loyal voters,” he said yesterday.
Kamarudin, who is contesting in the Duyong constituency, was commenting on the party’s decision to forego its logo, which has been so synonymous with the political outfit, in favour of PN’s in the Melaka polls.
Observation by The Vibes around the state found barely any PAS flags being hoisted, with only PN’s ones visible, ostensibly to avoid confusing voters.
This is in stark contrast to the last election in May 2018 when the green and white colours of PAS, then contesting on its own, could be seen in almost every corner of Melaka.
It lost all 24 seats it had vied for then. This time, PAS has been entrusted by PN to contest in eight of the 28 seats up for grabs in the polls.
Kamaruddin said while the moon logo has been synonymous with PAS for a long time, the party needs to look at new strategies to win the election and must not rely only on its core supporters.
That is why we are contesting under PN. In the east coast, where PAS has a huge presence, it’s different. But in states in southern Malaysia, we need a change, a new image.”
Kamaruddin said PAS is also banking on the popularity and prominence of PN chairman and former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, whom he described as an icon, in capturing support.
PAS vice-president Idris Ahmad, who is the minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of Islamic religious affairs, is similarly confident that contesting under the PN coalition will boost the party’s chances of winning in Melaka.
He dismissed suggestions that dropping the PAS logo will cost the party, referring to concerns that some supporters might be confused on who to vote for when casting their ballots.
“Our principle remains, but our strategy can change. This time, among our strategies is to contest under the PN logo,” he told The Vibes during his visit to Melaka.
“Also, voters today are smart. Even the elderlies have smartphones. They can access information and discuss in WhatsApp groups. There are various platforms for information.”
According to PAS’ Kelebang candidate Bakri Jamaluddin, the party wants to bring the spirit of Keluarga Malaysia (Malaysian Family) to the state and is offering unity to the people of Melaka.
In this regard, he said it is best for PAS to contest under the PN umbrella, which also includes Malay-based Bersatu and multiracial party Gerakan.
“When we talk about umat (people), it’s not only referring to the Muslims. Umat consists of all human beings. That’s what I mean by unity.
“And in talking about unity, it is better that we use PN’s logo, to give a signal that PAS is moving towards uniting the rakyat,” he said. – The Vibes, November 12, 2021
