Perikatan Nasional (PN) may resort to using the logo of PAS or another coalition component party in the upcoming Melaka state election if its own emblem remains suspended by the Registrar of Societies (ROS). The coalition’s secretary-general, Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, explained that there is no legal obligation for allied parties to contest under their individual logos; they may instead adopt a shared symbol that reflects their cooperation.
Takiyuddin referred to the 2018 General Election as a precedent, when DAP, PKR, and Bersatu candidates ran under PKR’s logo prior to the adoption of a common Pakatan Harapan emblem. He emphasized that such arrangements do not violate election laws.
Regarding ongoing talks with Barisan Nasional (BN) on electoral cooperation, Takiyuddin said negotiations were more than halfway complete but had not yet been finalized. He stated that the recent ROS suspension against PN did not affect the coalition’s stance or progress in discussions, which align with PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang’s call for unity among Muslim political groups, or “ummah.”
Takiyuddin also refuted reports claiming that PN had been allocated seven seats for contesting in Melaka, saying that seat distributions remain under negotiation. He expressed optimism about the outcome of talks with BN.
The ROS suspended PN’s logo following a complaint from Bersatu dated August 11. The complaint cited concerns that Bersatu was excluded from a Perikatan supreme council meeting held on July 16 and raised issues regarding its membership within the coalition.
In response, PN has established a legal team to review options and potentially challenge the ROS decision. Takiyuddin said they planned a meeting with lawyers in Kuala Lumpur to determine whether to seek an injunction or a declaration regarding the validity of the suspension.
On the status of Bersatu within state governments, Takiyuddin deferred to the respective administrations, noting that Bersatu currently holds positions in the governments of Kelantan, Terengganu, and Kedah.
The developments come as PN prepares for Melaka’s state election amid continuing shifts in Malaysian political alliances, with coalition partners navigating internal disputes and regulatory challenges.