The Straits Times
05 April 2018
- RSIS
- Media Mentions
- Mahathir’s Party Told by Malaysian Authorities to Suspend Activities, Cannot Use Logo
Mahathir’s Party Told by Malaysian Authorities to Suspend Activities, Cannot Use Logo
Malaysian authorities on Thursday (April 5) ordered former premier Mahathir Mohamad’s year-old party Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) to temporarily cease its activities, in a move criticised by the party as an “abuse of power by a regime that is desperate to stay in office.” In the meantime, PPBM is not allowed to use its logo or conduct any party activity.
PPBM is part of Pakatan Harapan (PH), a four-party opposition pact that also faces hurdles at the ROS, which has refused to register PH as a coalition due to the alleged irregularities at PPBM.
The Straits Times understands that only the Chinese-dominated Democratic Action Party (DAP), which has run since 1969 using its iconic rocket symbol, had reservations about using the PKR logo prior to Thursday’s emergency leadership meeting, but its leaders have conceded that while it will have to work to allay concerns from its grassroot members, it is a necessary gambit to swing the crucial Malay vote.
Analysts believe the decision to use a single logo will mean voters will not be confused between the main opposition and BN, leaving Parti Islam SeMalaysia “out in the cold” as a third option.
“It’s a clear signal of the coming together of Dr M and Anwar and especially for the Reformasi stalwarts that M has fully come on board. But it would be portrayed as the ultimate betrayal by Najib and UMNO,” said S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies’ Johan Saravanamuttu.
IDSS / Print / Online
