A united Pakatan Harapan

Media statement by DAP National Political Education Director Liew Chin Tong in Bemban, Melaka, on 30^th October 2021

There is no doubt that the Melaka state election is extremely challenging for Pakatan Harapan. 

The curbs on campaigning, the fear among the community of Covid-19 spread, the falsehood being spread about politics, and the lack of enthusiasm among voters mean that it is an uphill battle for Pakatan Harapan. 

The silver lining is that Pakatan Harapan has agreed to face the Melaka election as one team. 

At a press conference yesterday, the top leaders of Pakatan Harapan, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Sdr. Mohamad Sabu, Sdr. Lim Guan Eng, made several very important announcements with regards to the upcoming Melaka state election, namely, all Pakatan Harapan parties would use PH logo; and, the three parties agreed to a PKR 11, Amanah 9, DAP 8 formula for seat distribution, with DAP promised the parliamentary seat of Alor Gajah.   

The decision on using Pakatan Harapan logo is a highly significant one, which will have long-term impact beyond the Melaka state election. 

The decision by PKR to agree to use the Pakatan Harapan logo after hesitating for a long time is commendable. The decision closes a chapter of uncertainty and with the new certainty comes a stronger coalition. 

With Pakatan Harapan now united under a common logo, with a common leader Adly Zahari, and a seat deal, it is ready to face its opponents, which currently come in the forms of Barisan Nasional (with UMNO at its centre) and Perikatan Nasional (with Bersatu as the core party). 

Pakatan Harapan shall present a Malaysian vision which will guide the Pakatan government to govern for all Malaysians and not to appeal to racial sentiments. 

Both Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional are appealing to a narrow base of audicence which subscribe to the idea of supremacists. Both do not have a multi-ethnic outlook. 

Melaka and Malaysia deserve better. A united Pakatan Harapan is the choice for the people of Melaka, and we shall re-build Melaka and the nation together. 

Liew Chin Tong