Party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng appealed to DAP supporters for their understanding, saying “these are very critical times”.
Lim said the decision to forgo the rocket in favour of PKR’s eye symbol would help to bury accusations of racism and extremism that had been laid against the DAP.
The first gathering of members and supporters will be held on Monday night in Petaling Jaya. Another is planned for Penang. The party would try to explain to the many hardcore members and supporters unhappy with the decision and who have voiced their displeasure.
“We are aware that there are hardcore members who are already accustomed to the rocket symbol, and they have issues with the decision,” he said at a press conference here today.
Among those critical of the decision was DAP life adviser and party founder Chen Man Hin. “We hope he can understand the current needs,” Lim said.
Pakatan Harapan chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced in Johor Bahru last night that the opposition pact will use PKR’s symbol as a common logo for the elections.
The Registrar of Societies has yet to approve a PH application for registration with a common logo.
Lim agreed that the logo decision could affect votes, as the party has used its rocket symbol since 1969.
“There are many supporters who are still not used to it (the PKR logo), especially in areas contested by DAP and not PKR. It will result in some complication. We have a heavy burden to explain the decision to our voters and supporters,” he said.
It was a bitter pill to swallow for all hardcore DAP members and supporters, but a necessary move to unite Malaysians. “It is a sacrifice by the DAP. But if it can successfully bring the people together, then it will all be worth it,” he said.