Zahid swipes at PN's plan for different National Day logo, theme

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has hit out at the proposal for the four opposition-held states to use a different National Day logo and theme.

The BN chairperson, as reported by Malaysia Gazette, said Perikatan Nasional Youth chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari was behaving “narrow-mindedly”.

“Is he crazy or what? This is not a political issue. The issue is that the National Day celebration logo is a national event and I think that matters like this should not be politicised.

“Please don’t think that everything can be politicised,” Zahid was quoted as saying after launching a football tournament in Putrajaya this morning.

Yesterday, Fadhli said Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu may use a different National Day logo and theme for state-level celebrations instead of the ones announced by the federal government.

The Pasir Mas MP was reported as saying that the four PN-held states would likely use the alternative logo and theme launched by PN Youth.

The PN Youth logo depicts the hibiscus flower, which is the national flower, with five petals, taking the colours found in the Jalur Gemilang and with the theme “Teguh Muafakat Malaysia Sejahtera” (Strong Consensus for a Peaceful Malaysia).

In May, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced “Malaysia Madani: Tekad Perpaduan, Penuhi Harapan” (Determination in Unity, Fulfilling Hope) as the theme of the 2023 National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations.

Pakatan Rakyat did the same

Fadhli also pointed out that Pakatan Rakyat also did the same in 2012 by using a different theme for the National Day celebrations that year.

The coalition was made up of PKR, DAP, and PAS.

In a Facebook post yesterday, Fadhli also slammed the federal government’s theme, saying it should choose a theme that is more “politically moderate” if it wants to unite the people.

“Does the government feel that this is the only time it gets to celebrate Aug 31 as a government and that’s why they came up with such a theme?” he said.

‘PN lacks patriotism’

Meanwhile, the PKR Youth wing urged PN to withdraw its proposal as it feared that it would divide Malaysians.

“The move by PN Youth to launch a different logo and theme does not only show PN’s lack of patriotism, but it is also going against the goal of celebrating independence day – which is based on the spirit of federalism,” it said in a statement today.

Fahmi also took a jab at PN’s proposal, saying a different logo and theme would only create disunity.

Bernama quoted him yesterday as saying that it was time to close ranks and put politics aside as the state elections have concluded.

“Now we focus on developing Malaysia, being united, and putting aside other agendas for the time being. Wait for another four years (for the general election),” the minister said.

National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang is expected to issue a statement on this matter soon.

Local patriotic movie sets ‘Black Hawk Down’ legend straight

Madani govt retains three states, but at great cost

In 5 states, less than half of Malays happy with federal govt - survey

COMMENT | Post-state polls: Where are we now?