The national anthem has been keeping Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Dr Rais Yatim busy of late.

First, it was the brouhaha over local singer Hattan who was accused of rendering an unofficial version of the anthem at the recent Malaysia Cup final.

Now, it is a radio station that is speculating whether the national anthem is a copy of a Hawaiian song titled 'Mamula Moon'.

Rais has called on the Radio Era station to pull the plug on this. On the same note, he denied the allegation.

The minister said the private radio station should have been more sensitive and should not have played the so-called 'original version'.

Not appropriate

He said it was also not appropriate for the station to request feedback from its listeners on the matter.

"This is a move that does not profit our country after nearly 50 years of independence..what is the purpose, what is the motive," he told Bernama.

Rais was asked to respond on whether it was appropriate for the station to air the song, which has a similar melody with the Negaraku , and ask for feedback.

The programme, hosted by two deejays, saw many people calling in to express their disappointment and embarrassment.

Rais said although the issue was under the jurisdiction of the Information Ministry, his ministry will also check on the matter.

Please click here to download the MP3 version of Mamula Moon .