GEORGE TOWN: It is not possible for Penang Gerakan to use the party's logo in the 15th general election (GE15) unless the party decides to go solo, a political analyst said.

Dr Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani, from Universiti Utara Malaysia's School of International Studies, said it would not be right for parties in a coalition to use different logos as it would show they are not united.

"I don't think Penang Gerakan can use the party's logo because it is still very much a part of Perikatan Nasional, and Perikatan Nasional consists of Bersatu (Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia), Pas and Gerakan. If they (Penang Gerakan) insist on doing so, then something is not right.

"In fact, Perikatan Nasional is set to introduce a new logo for GE15.  

"There has been talk that Gerakan may be seeking to disassociate itself from the conservative Pas, which has blamed non-Muslims for social issues. That is also not possible as long as they are all still in one coalition," he told the New Straits Times.

He was commenting on Penang Gerakan chairman Oh Tong Kong's statement that Penang Gerakan hoped to be allowed to use the party's logo in GE15.

Oh had asked the party's central committee to consider raising the matter with the Perikatan Nasional supreme council because he claimed that many people in Penang still thought Gerakan was part of Barisan Nasional.

"This could be a reason for the people to reject Gerakan in GE15," Oh was quoted as saying.

Azizuddin said Penang Gerakan was making excuses as people were aware the party was no longer part of Barisan Nasional since June 2018.

He said no matter what, Gerakan, which used to have a strong base in Penang, would not have it easy in GE15.

"If it is associated with Pas, then it may not be accepted by non-Malay voters.

"If it goes solo, that is even worse as the party is no longer as strong as before and it has nothing much to show voters.

"That is the narrative that will be used by its political opponents to discredit Gerakan.

"So Gerakan needs to remain in Perikatan Nasional to stand a chance to win a few seats. But to wrestle Penang, which they once ruled, is not possible."

Azizuddin said Penang would be an interesting state to watch during GE15 as many new political parties were joining the race.

He said there would be multi-cornered contests in almost all seats.

"However, despite the crowded race, the contest will only be between two strong coalitions, namely Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional.

"It will be difficult for other political parties. First, they would be relatively new. Second, they have not proven their worth."

The NST has reached out to Gerakan president Datuk Dr Dominic Lau Hoe Chai for comment, but to no avail.