He said that PH is a recognised brand among voters.
“We will wait for the decision by the technical committee which will study the proposal.
“But people are familiar with Pakatan Harapan, and that must be taken into consideration when deciding what we should call ourselves,” the PPBM chairman told reporters after a meeting with PH leaders outside the Dewan Rakyat.
The former prime minister was asked to comment on Muhyiddin Yassin’s statement that a Malay-led opposition coalition called Barisan Rakyat was the best way to win the next general election against the ruling Barisan Nasional government.
Muhyiddin, who is also PPBM president said that if all the leaders in Pakatan Harapan were in agreement, the current opposition coalition should change its name to Barisan Rakyat.
“Maybe we can name the new coalition between Pakatan Harapan and Bersatu (PPBM) as Barisan Rakyat – Barisan Rakyat to fight against Barisan Nasional,” MalaysiaKini quoted the former deputy prime minister as saying in a PPBM programme in Padang Rengas, Perak, on Friday night.
Apart from PPBM, PH also comprises DAP, PKR and Amanah.
Mahathir also said the logo for PH will be discussed at a meeting next week.
Malaysia’s longest-serving premier had in the past pushed for the opposition coalition to put up a united front as well as contest under one logo and manifesto in the coming general election.
When asked if he was excited that he would be taking part in the next general election – which he predicted will take place between September and March of next year – Mahathir said he was unsure if he would be contesting.
He also expressed hope the opposition would be able to wrest Putrajaya from BN, adding that it was not impossible.
“Nothing is permanent in politics and love.”
Meanwhile, Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) president Mohamad Sabu said parties in Pakatan Harapan would register the pact as an official coalition before the next general election.
“We will be registering Pakatan and 18 senior leaders will be included in the registration ahead of the general election.”
Mohamad said the parties had decided to have a common manifesto and logo for elections.
He added negotiations on seats were still at the initial stages as they did not know when the elections would be held.