KUALA LUMPUR – Pakatan Harapan (PH) has yet to finalise its decision on whether to use the coalition’s own logo or that of PKR in the coming 15th general election (GE15), due in less than two years.
Noting calls by several PKR leaders for the party to use its own logo in the polls, party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said there is a strong case from both sides.
“I respect the opinion of party grassroots in urging the leadership to use our own logo. At the same time, I also understand the calls by fellow friends in PH to use the coalition’s logo.
Anwar is also PH chairman and parliamentary opposition leader.
“Let us negotiate amicably to find a solution, because there are good arguments being brought forward by both sides,” he said in a hybrid press conference that aired online today.
On September 7, Federal Territories PKR had said that it wants the party’s logo to be used in the GE15, reasoning that it is a proven winning formula in the last national polls in May 2018.
All the opposition parties had then contested under the PKR banner after PH’s attempt to officially register itself was rejected by the Registrar of Societies.
However, since its victory, the coalition has successfully registered itself and now has a new, common logo.
Following this proposal by Federal Territories PKR, DAP Youth chief Howard Lee urged the chapter to abide by whatever decision is made by PH presidential council.
On Monday, Perlis PKR became the latest chapter calling for the use of the party’s logo in the election, similarly citing the success of the opposition coalition in 2018.
The state leaders also claimed the logo, which was introduced in 1999 following the incarceration of Anwar, is an established brand among Malaysians.
Earlier this month, PH leaders were also at odds on whether to allow its components in Sabah and Sarawak to use their respective logos instead of the coalition’s.
While Anwar has said that a common banner is necessary so as not to confuse voters, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said the parties in East Malaysia are not required to use PH’s official logo.
No decisive youth, female representation in next GE
On female and youth representation as candidates for the next general election, Anwar said PKR has not set any specific target on this matter, and that those picked will be based on ability and qualification.
However, the opposition leader noted that PKR has always been among the political parties with the highest female and youth representation in Parliament and state assemblies.
“We can’t say for sure the figure (percentage of female and youth candidates for the election). For me, we will ultimately pick the best candidate.
“If the person is a youth, then we will push for that youth. If she is a woman, then woman it is. That is the most important,” he said.
He added that while PKR has received names of individuals nominated as candidates, the final selection has not been completed yet, with the focus now on mobilising the party’s machinery.
Anwar said this after accepting the membership applications of over 20 youth activists, including student advocate Adam Adli Abdul Halim and lawyer Asheeq Ali Sethi Alivi.
He said the party will utilise these activists to head to the ground and educate the youth on why they should support PKR come polls season. – The Vibes, September 16, 2021
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