‘Perikatan sowing disunity’ | The Star

PETALING JAYA: Perikatan Nasional’s proposal for different National Day logos and themes is sowing disunity and driving a wedge between the federal and state governments, say civil societies and advocates.

Moderation advocate Tawfik Ismail described the proposal by the Perikatan as a “bad idea”.

“It is a betrayal of the spirit of unity expounded by our founding fathers.

“The National Day celebration is akin to a birthday or anniversary celebration where everyone gathers in unity to celebrate.

“What these states are trying to do is to force a divorce from the national-level celebration,” he said in an interview.

The former MP and son of former deputy prime minister Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman said such a move would be disruptive towards nation-building.

“They are not making it easier for the Federal Government or nation as a whole. Their agenda is disruptive and divisive,” said Tawfik.

Perikatan Youth leader Ahmad Fadhli Shaari had said that Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu – the four states under Perikatan rule – could use a different logo and theme from those announced by the Federal Government for the celebrations.

The Perikatan Youth’s logo depicts the hibiscus flower with five petals – which is the national flower – in the colours of the Malaysian flag and the theme of Teguh Muafakat Malaysia Sejahtera.

The government’s theme for this year’s National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations is Malaysia Madani: Tekad Perpaduan, Penuhi Harapan.

National Patriots Association president Brig-Jen (Rtd) Datuk Mohamed Arshad Raji condemned the proposal as an arrogant move by the Opposition, calling it a betrayal of the principles of federalism practised in the country.

“For the Opposition to propose a logo and theme when it should instead come from the present unity government is not only arrogant but also plants anti-government sentiments in the country,” he said.

The association of ex-servicemen and veterans also urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s administration to take “drastic action against this dangerous act and intent”.

“Certainly, our Rulers will not condone such betrayal of federalism which has been painstakingly cherished all these decades,” he said.

He cautioned that if allowed, the move by Perikatan would send a very dangerous signal as well as set an unhealthy precedent.

Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Prof Datuk Sivamurugan Pandian questioned the motive behind the proposal, saying it would drive a wedge in the relationship between the federal and state governments.

“The National Day celebration is a time when we are supposed to put aside political differences and share similarities.

“Holding separate themes and logos will only further divide the nation because of politics.

“How are we to educate our young on the values of independence when even on its symbolic meaning, we are divided?” said the political sociologist expert.

Should the Opposition states go ahead with their plan, Sivamurugan said they should not then blame the Federal Government for also resorting to political tools when deciding on state matters.

Malaysian Unity Foundation trustee Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the focus on the National Day celebrations should be on unity, rather than political parties continuing with politics after the recent state elections.

“I really don’t see the logic behind the proposal unless it is done for political purposes. I hope that politics will not be brought in to mark the celebration.

“There is a time for politics, which is now over,” he said.

Having separate National Day themes and logos, added Lee, would only result in confusion among the rakyat.

It had been a time-honoured practice of political parties, he pointed out, to put aside their differences and come together under one banner to commemorate the celebration.

“What we should be doing is focusing on unity and developing the nation together.

“The Opposition should drop their idea of having separate themes and logos,” he said.