PUTRAJAYA: The theme and logo for the National Day celebrations should not be politicised as these are matters related to patriotism, say political leaders.
Having different logos and themes for a celebration commemorated by the entire country, they warn, could lead to disunity.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said matters concerning patriotism, such as the National Day logo and theme, should not be politicised describing it as “jumud” (non-progressive).
“This is not about politics. It concerns the flag for celebration (National Day). I think people should not politicise it,” he said after opening the 2023 Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi Cup football tournament yesterday.
He was commenting on Perikatan Nasional Youth leader Ahmad Fadhli Shaari’s proposal to use different themes and logos for the National Day celebration.
In IPOH, Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Md Halim said Ahmad Fadhli’s proposal is politically motivated, and should not even be considered as the celebrations were observed by the entire nation.
“I feel it is a political consideration, (there’s no) other context for the state or country,” he said after opening the Perak Fit Malaysia programme at the state Youth and Sports Complex yesterday.
“The celebration does not involve politics, political parties or their ideologies,” he stressed.
Adam Adli said he hoped that the Perikatan-led states would not do so during the celebrations.
“It is one of the most important celebrations for the country – to commemorate our spirit of independence, unity and nationalism.
“Respect our spirit of federalism and not divide the people further,” he said, adding that it is regrettable that Perikatan feels the need to do so.
In PUTRAJAYA, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said there should be no differences in the National Day celebrations at the federal and state levels as it is a national event.
Such differences, he added, could create an atmosphere of disunity.
“I urge for this matter to be looked into. We want to unite (and) put all this aside as the time for politics is over with the completion of the state elections,” he told the media after launching the Astro #DemiNegaraku campaign and Home of Kids here on Saturday.
Fahmi added that if prior to this, people had raised the flags of their political parties in conjunction with the state elections on Aug 12, they should now close ranks to raise the Malaysian flag in conjunction with the National Day.
“Now we focus on developing Malaysia, being united and putting aside other agenda for the time being. Wait for another four years,” he said according to Bernama.
Urging Perikatan to withdraw its proposal as it is against the spirit of federalism, PKR Youth said such a move will only further divide the rakyat.
“The move not only shows their lack of patriotism, but also goes against the goal of celebrating National Day which is based on the spirit of federalism.
“The use of Perikatan’s official colour on the logo also reveals the extreme factionalism of the coalition which prioritises its own interest over the interest of the country,” it said.
