Speaking to FMT, Wan Shahrir said rural Malays knew where PPBM would be contesting in Pahang, therefore using the PKR logo was unlikely to confuse them or turn them away.

“As DAP is still DAP in its market, so too is PPBM in our market and I believe many of the rural Malays have PPBM’s interests close to their hearts,” he said.

“Most of our candidates are locals. Everyone knows them as PPBM members and operators. When everyone contests under one logo, it is easier to explain.”

Many political pundits believe that PPBM, unlike other opposition parties in the past, has successfully penetrated into the rural Malay heartlands, including Felda settlements which are considered Barisan Nasional’s (BN) vote bank.

PPBM is slated to contest the most number of seats in Pahang among PH component parties.

PH is made up of PPBM, PKR, DAP and Amanah.

The opposition pact decided to use the PKR logo for all its candidates contesting the general election in Peninsular Malaysia, after failing to get the PH registered.

Wan Shahrir said PKR’s logo was the best bet for PH, adding that DAP and Amanah had to make sacrifices by dropping the use of their own symbols.

“DAP is known for its rocket logo, especially among the Chinese community, but all components know the importance of swinging the Malay vote and I don’t think the rocket can help with that, especially in rural areas. Even DAP understands that.

“As for Amanah, if we use its logo, PAS will increase its attack and this may scare off the PAS voters sympathetic to PH.”

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