KUCHING, April 9 — Sarawak DAP will use the party’s rocket symbol here for the general election while its remaining Pakatan Harapan allies will use PKR’s logo for a unified front.

State PH chairman Chong Chieng Jen made the announcement after chairing the pact’s committee meeting and said DAP chose its own logo as it was better recognised in parts of the state.

"Therefore, we have to maximise our chance of victories in those respective constituencies which the DAP will be contesting,” Chong, who is also the state DAP chairman, told reporters here today.

 He said the state DAP was not obliged to follow the national leadership’s choice to use PKR’s symbol in the election.

When it was pointed out that Amanah was using PKR’s symbol, Chong said it was the party’s prerogative to do so.

State Amanah chairman Fidzuan Zaidi, who was also present, explained that rural Sarawak voters were more familiar with PKR’s logo than that of his party.

Chong, who is also Kota Sentosa state assemblyman, said the state PKR will contest in 16 seats, DAP will vie for nine while Amanah will run in six.

Only federal seats will be contested here as Sarawak last held its state election in 2016 and will not hold polls concurrently with the rest of Malaysia.

DAP will contest Bandar Kuching, Stampin, Mas Gading, Sarikei, Lanang, Sibu, Bintulu,Serian and Kapit while Amanah will challenge for Santubong, Batang Lupar, Batang Sadong, Igan , Samarahan and Igan.

PKR will field candidates in Petra Jaya, Puncak Borneo, Sri Aman, Lubok Antu, Betong, Saratok, Julau, Kanowit, Ulu Rajang, Mukah, Baram, Limbang, Lawas, Sibuti, Selangau and Tanjong Manis.

Chong said the candidates will be announced once the Election Commission sets the dates for nomination and polling.

Chong, Fidzuan and state PKR chairman Baru Bian also signed an agreement dubbed a "New Deal For Sarawak” as part of PH’s election manifesto.

He said that the agreement will be delivered to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg and the presidents of the state Barisan Nasional component parties for them to also sign.

Among others, the agreement pledges to restore Sarawak’s territorial integrity by reviewing the Continental Shelf Act 1966, Petroleum Development Act 1974 and Territorial Sea Act 2012.