Education Minister Mahdzir Khalid said the directive to Penang schools to not attend the 58th Merdeka Day celebrations was issued because there was confusion over the Penang state government's theme.

This year, the federal government's Merdeka celebration theme is 'Malaysia, Sehati Sejiwa' (One Heart, One Soul).

It was reported earlier that the Penang state government theme was 'Bersih' (Clean) but it was later amended to 'Bersih, Cekap, Amanah' (Clean, Efficient, Trust).

"We don't understand what (the Penang state government) meant by Bersih because at the time, there were other 'Bersihs' as well so we were confused," Mahdzir said to reporters after he officiated the Umno Kepong division annual general meeting in Kuala Lumpur today.

He was referring to the electoral watchdog Bersih, who is planning a Bersih 4 mega rally to be held on Aug 29 and 30.

"Then yesterday, (the Penang state government) released 'Bersih, Cekap, Amanah'. So who is playing politics now?" he asked.

On Thursday, Penang state education director Osman Hussain directed all schools in the state not to attend this year's Merdeka celebration organised by the DAP-led government.

This was because Penang's theme was different from the federal government's, he had said.

As such, he has to consult the Education Ministry first.

"The word ‘Bersih’ is sensitive, so we have to await the greenlight from the ministry before we can attend. If the ministry says okay, we will attend," Osman had explained.

Mahdzir said he would be sending his officers to talk to the Penang state education representatives, though he did not specify when.