Not an issue for Barisan to use own logo in GE16, says Saarani

Not an issue for Barisan to use own logo in GE16, says Saarani

IPOH: There should be no issue with Barisan Nasional using its own logo during the 16th General Election (GE16), says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.

The Perak Mentri Besar said the cooperation between Barisan and Pakatan Harapan will not be impacted, with both coalitions able to support one another.

"It does not mean we are on our own.

"The unity government does not have its own logo, so we will contest based on trust," he said in a press conference after launching the state-level Unity Week celebration at Dataran Bandaraya Ipoh on Thursday (June 27).

"If Barisan were to contest a seat using its own logo, Pakatan can support us and likewise. It is just like now.

"If the by-elections at Kuala Kangsar and Bukit Gantang are held and Barisan is to put out its candidate, then we will use our own logo, with support from Pakatan," he said.

"People should understand that we can move together and not misunderstand his (Dr Ahmad Zahid's) remarks and politicise it," he added.

Saarani was asked to comment on Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's remark that both Barisan and Pakatan would contest using their own symbols in the GE16.

The Bagan Datuk MP had said this during a press conference after opening the Maran Umno division delegates meeting in Pekan Tajau on Thursday (June 27).

When asked whether Umno would accept Bukit Gantang MP Syed Abu Hussin Syed Abdul Fasal and Kuala Kangsar MP Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid as members if they want to join the party, Saarani said it was up to the Umno Supreme Council to decide.

"There are pros and cons... the Supreme Council will decide on it," he said.

Earlier this month, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) declared that six of its MPs and a Selangor assemblyman would cease being party members after failing to respond to letters requiring them to pledge loyalty to the party.

Apart from Syed Abu Husin and Iskandar Dzulkarnain, the others included Gua Musang MP Mohd Azizi Abu Naim, Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Datuk Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan), Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanafi (Tanjong Karang) and Selat Klang assemblyman Datuk Abdul Rashid Asari.

Bersatu has amended its constitution so that party members will automatically cease to be members if they go against the party’s decisions, and its elected representatives must subsequently vacate their seats.

A notice on the vacancies of six parliamentary seats held by the six MPs has also been sent to the Dewan Rakyat Speaker’s Office.