COMMENT | Umno's decision to use its own party logo in the upcoming Sungai Kandis by-election has become a hot topic among local political leaders and analysts.

BN component parties, especially MIC, were upset with the decision.

Its former president Dr S Subramaniam had reiterated that Umno will have to work on its own to win the hearts of the Indian voters at Sungai Kandis if it were to use its own logo rather than BN's.

Although Umno's argument to using its own logo is gauging the people's support for the party after its defeat in the 14th general election, the reason may extend beyond that.

Since BN's abysmal lost to Pakatan Harapan in the election, the number of BN component parties have gone down from 13 to three, leaving only MIC, MCA, and Umno.

With the current coalition, will Umno be able to challenge Harapan in the 15th general election? Many would be guessing that BN will not be able to shake Harapan.

Umno must find an alternative to challenge Harapan. The Sungai Kandis by-election may well be the platform for cooperation between BN and PAS.

If we look at statements made by Umno leaders on Sungai Kandis by-election, they are focusing their cooperation more on PAS rather than MIC and MCA. Umno is ready to "shake hands" with PAS after so long.

What is apparent is that Umno-PAS' main agenda is 'Malay' and 'Islam.' The move will be translated as the initial step towards fostering cooperation among Malays and Muslims.

The 14th general election's results proved that the split of Malay voters between Umno and PAS had given an advantage to Harapan which garnered the majority of Chinese and Indian votes.

Had Umno and PAS cooperated before the 14th general election, it is undeniable that Umno would still be able to govern Kedah, Perak, and Malacca.

Although former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak was largely blamed for BN's defeat, the 30 percent of Malay votes for Harapan is not something to be proud of.

The cooperation between Umno and PAS is now even easier as both are in the opposition.

With a myriad of issues, such as the call to deport controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, Act 355, and Harapan's decision to give important positions to non-Malays, PAS-Umno will take the chance to unite criticise the Harapan government.

Moreover, there is speculation on social media that the Harapan government is heading away from a Malay supremacy (Ketuanan Melayu) to adopt a more liberal stance. This opens the door for PAS-Umno to attract Malay support towards them.

As things stand, the Sungai Kandis by-election is set to be historical in the local political landscape if Umno is able to recapture Malay voters.

What is certain that on average, many Malay voters are uncertain Harapan's style of governance.

B NANTHA KUMAR is a freelance journalist.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.