JOHOR BAHRU, May 17 — Pakatan Harapan's component parties have been urged to prioritise branding the coalition under the Harapan banner rather than their respective party identities to strengthen political continuity and boost public confidence in the coalition.
The approach is seen as important, particularly in preparation for the next general election and state elections.
The matter was among the issues raised by Harapan state representatives when addressing about 5,000 delegates and party members during the Harapan Convention 2026 today.
Kelantan Amanah chief and state Harapan chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Supardi Md Noor said the coalition’s strength should not be symbolised solely through party flags, but through the loyalty and unity of every component party member.
“The people are watching us. If we move separately... Parti Keadilan Rakyat, in its own way, DAP, in its own way, and Parti Amanah, in its own way, then we will be seen as a coalition that is not united.
“That is why the branding we should highlight is ‘Pakatan Harapan’, no longer merely promoting Keadilan or Amanah individually. We must unite our hearts and cast aside all feelings of distrust towards one another,” he said in his speech at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre.
Echoing the sentiment, Kedah DAP chairman Tan Kok Yew suggested that the coalition adopt an approach of fielding candidates in the coming state elections and the 16th general election (GE16) under the Harapan banner, transcending party, racial, and religious interests.
He said that dominance over a particular seat and fielding candidates solely under the capacity of a component party is no longer the best formula for securing victory in future elections.
“In this matter, Harapan needs to be bold in breaking down the walls of identity politics and sectoral politics because the mindset of Gen Z and Alpha generations is no longer the same as the old-school mindset,” Tan said.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Keadilan chairman Ahmad Nazib Johari said the party must continue working hard to convince the people that the coalition is the best choice in championing public interests and the state’s future.
He noted that the people of Sarawak can now see the Federal government’s ability to govern the country better, including efforts to advance the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
Similarly, Perak Harapan delegate Fakhruldin Mohd Hashim said that in the run-up to the coming state elections and GE16, the coalition must promote the narrative that Harapan is the right choice for political stability and that it offers a clear, inspiring vision.
“We need to remain consistent with a national narrative shaped by state development, focus on local issues and the people’s needs, and reject politics of hatred and division while instead upholding politics of unity and compassion.
“No party can move alone; unity among component parties is not an option but a necessity. If we are too busy quarrelling among ourselves, the people will punish us. People today are tired of confrontational politics; they want solutions,” he said.
Fakhruldin also suggested that Harapan's component parties field more women candidates in the next general and state elections to ensure women’s voices are not merely used to fulfil quotas.
Held under the theme 'Tekad MADANI, Harapan Rakyat' (MADANI Resolve, People’s Hope), the Harapan 2026 Convention gathered about 5,000 delegates and leaders from across the country.
Prime Minister cum Harapan chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to deliver the keynote address and officiate at the convention this afternoon.
Among the leaders expected to speak are DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, and Harapan secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
