Veterans’ group condemns PN's separate Merdeka logo and theme

SHAH ALAM - The National Patriots Association (Patriot) condemns Perikatan Nasional (PN) following its decision to use a different Merdeka Day logo and theme in the four states it is governing.

According to a report by online news portal Free Malaysia Today (FMT), Patriot president, retired army brigadier-general Arshad Raji said PN's action was deemed as an 'anti-government stance' and betrayed the principles of federalism practiced in the country.

Arshad said the group viewed seriously the proposal made by PN Youth chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari on the use of a different theme and logo for the National Day Celebration.

“Patriot condemns this anti-government stance.

“For the opposition political parties to propose a logo and theme when it should come from the present unity government is not only arrogant but plants anti-government sentiments in the country,” he said in a statement.

He implored leaders from Pas and Bersatu to raise their voices on this 'dangerous trend' that was proposed by their coalition.

"Patriots are intending to take action regarding this matter as it sets a very dangerous precedent and sends a harmful signal from the opposition.

"Since 1957 there has never been such a stance in our country, so why now?," he was reported saying.

Arshad emphasised that the government must take strict action against this dangerous intent by PN and Malay rulers would also not condone such betrayal of the federalism that has been painstakingly cherished by the royalty all these decades.

Recently, Putrajaya unveiled its Merdeka Day theme of 'Malaysia Madani: Tekad Perpaduan, Penuhi Harapan'.