Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said PAS appears “indifferent” to the proposal, noting that Gerakan was intent on using the opposition coalition’s platform to advance its own political ambitions.
He said PAS has long been frustrated by Gerakan’s failure to draw non-Malay voters to PN, especially at the last state polls in August 2023 and the Sungai Bakap by-election.
“Previously, Gerakan was able to blame their losses on the extreme views of PAS leaders. If the party still cannot attract non-Malay voters using its own logo, then it would only have itself to blame,” he told FMT.
Azmi said PAS, on the other hand, would be able to justify cutting ties with Gerakan if the latter underperforms even when contesting in its own stead.
Syaza Shukri of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) said the proposed arrangement would allow PAS to attribute any victory to the PN coalition.
“If not, then (PAS) can put the whole blame on (Gerakan’s) strategy,” she said.
However, Syaza advised Gerakan against contesting under PN’s logo at GE16, saying the coalition has become “synonymous with Malay politics”.
During its annual general meeting on Sunday, Penang Gerakan chief Oh Tong Keong floated the idea of the party contesting GE16 under its own banner.
Oh reportedly said he had urged the party’s central committee to raise the issue with PN’s Supreme Council. He said many Penangites still mistakenly believe Gerakan to be a Barisan Nasional component.
Addressing the proposal, PAS’s state information chief, Fawwaz Jan, said each party was entitled to craft its own approach. He noted that some parties had successfully contested under their own logos during GE15.
Syaza said PAS’s support for Gerakan’s proposal pointed to an ongoing battle between the two parties within Penang PN.
“PAS has (seven) seats in the state assembly. It wants to lead Penang PN, while Gerakan wants (the mantle) to pull the non-Malays away from DAP.
“(PAS is) letting Gerakan have its way (for now). If it still fails to attract votes, then PAS can demand the leadership of Penang PN,” she added.