Using a different theme for the National Day celebrations in Pakatan Rakyat states would not be a divisive move as the existing theme is already “sectarian”, said PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim.

NONE “How can you suggest our motto calling for one nation, one soul is divisive? This is a challenge to the Umno, BN leaders to reconsider their sectarian, partisan approach,” he said.

He said that as it stands, there is no decision as to whether the Pakatan states will use the alternate theme Sebangsa, Senegara, Sejiwa (One nation, One Country, One Soul).

However, he is prepared to advise his colleagues to adopt the national theme if the BN government changes it from the existing Janji Ditepati (Promises Fulfilled) to a more inclusive one.

He said that the alternate theme would not “confuse” people, unlike the current theme which instead of speaking of the spirit of nationhood, speaks of repaying good deeds.

Pakatan yesterday revealed its alternate theme , which the committee headed by national laureate A Samad Said chose out of 250 suggestions made by the public.

The opposition coalition objected to the existing theme as it is also the same theme used in a BN campaign launched months ago.