IPOH - The actions of the four opposition states in introducing a separate theme for Merdeka Day are deemed to be simply political in nature.
Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abd Halim said the Merdeka Day celebration should be celebrated by all Malaysians in the spirit of unity.
He said Merdeka Day has nothing to do with any party or political ideology.
"It’s wrong for any party to choose a different celebration theme, as it would be seen as different. I hope that matter will not be continued. Our respect for the spirit of federalism should not be separated from that of the public.
"I think the consideration that was taken was indeed a political consideration, not one with any state or national context," he told reporters after officiating the 2023 Perak State Level Fit Malaysia Tour at the Perak Youth and Sports Complex here on Sunday.
Adam, who was the Malaysia Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) chief, was disappointed by the opposition’s actions and described how this should not have happened.
Previously, the media reported that Perikatan Nasional (PN) Youth Chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari suggested that the states governed by the component use a different logo and theme for Merdeka.
Ahmad Fadhli said the logo introduced by the PN Youth would be based on the hibiscus with five petals symbolising nationality as well as taking elements from the Jalur Gemilang with the theme ‘Firm Consensus for a Prosperous Malaysia'.
The Communications and Digital Ministry said it will investigate the claims that the four states under PN’s rule may use different logos and themes for the Independence Day celebration this year.
Its minister, Fahmi Fadzil, said he had received the report on such matters and would thoroughly observe it to not create any gaps or unnecessary non-unifying situations.