PARTI Cinta Malaysia’s (PCM) Huan Cheng Guan, a challenger against DAP’s Lim Guan Eng in Bagan, almost did not become a candidate today following a problem with his party’s symbol.

The Election Commission (EC) said PCM’s symbol was not in its records, delaying the official announcement of candidates for about an hour.

Huan, who is PCM vice-president, said the party updated its symbol several months ago and the new design had been sent to the Registrar of Societies (RoS).

“But the EC now tells me I cannot use the updated symbol. They propose I use the old one.

“But I have already printed the new symbol in my campaign materials,” he told reporters.

An annoyed Huan asked if the EC had been “sleeping” for failing to update PCM’s symbol in its records.

However, the issue was resolved shortly before 1pm and Huan was announced a candidate in Bagan.

Returning officer Rozali Mohamud said the EC accepted Huan’s nomination and would allow him to contest using the party’s old symbol in the commission’s records.

Bagan has been a DAP stronghold for seven terms. It has three state seats under it.

The parliamentary seat will see a four-cornered fight with Huan, Lim, and three others from Barisan Nasional, and Malaysian United Party.

DAP, as with other Pakatan Harapan parties, is using the PKR logo these elections instead of its rocket symbol.

The EC’s decision also delayed announcements on candidates for the Bukit Bendera seat, where another PCM candidate is contesting the Air Putih state seat, which is also held by Lim. – April 28, 2018.