Communications and Multimedia Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek today flayed DAP and its MPs for their "ignorance" about Malaysia Day and Independence Day.

 

Shabery criticised Lim Lip Eng (DAP-Segambut) for suggesting, during Question Time in Parliament today, that National Day be celebrated more than Independence Day.

 

Shabery said he was "saddened" by the suggestion, which meant Lim did not know that Sept 16 is celebrated as Malaysia Day and not National Day.

 

"It's the same like your DAP colleague (Chong Chieng Jen) who criticised the playing of national anthems in cinemas. I believe his criticism is also the stand of your entire party," Shabery said.

 

"I believe this is how your party policy is on this matter," he added.

Lim ( left ) also asked in his question if the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) next year would increase the costs for Merdeka Day celebrations, a question that drew some mocking within the House.

Speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia later reprimanded both Shabery and Lim for being "cynical" with their arguments.

"I could have stopped the minister because of how cynical his answer was. But I didn't because your question (Lim) was also cynical. When the question is cynical, the answer is also cynical," he said.

"Please, do not ask cynical questions next time," he added.

In a statement later, Lim said instead of "ridiculing" him, Shabery should just answer whether National Day continue to be celebrated more grandly than Malaysia Day.

"I know the difference between National Day, celebrated on Aug 31 and Malaysia Day, celebrated on Sept 16.

"Shabery may have forgotten that it was Pakatan Rakyat which had pushed for Sept 16 to be declared a public holiday.

"That was what I had asked in Parliament - whether the government intends to celebrate Sept 16 in a more festive manner for the sake of national unity, including with Sabah and Sarawak," he said.

He said that the minister had evaded his question, and did not address the fact that celebrating National Day in a more grand manner is sidelining Sabah and Sarawak.

"There is no need to froth at the mouth over irrelevant issues. Just reply on questions that do matter."

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