Using different logo, theme brings division - Ahmad Maslan
ZULHISHAM ISAHAK
JOHOR BAHRU - Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan has slammed the proposal to use a different logo and theme for the National Day celebrations in the four states under the Perikatan Nasional (PN) administration.
Ahmad said that the proposal was inappropriate and should be withdrawn.
He argued that it would only jeopardize the relationship between the state and central governments, which would inevitably affect the people.
"Never in my memory had such a thing happened in our country, so this is a really bad thing and we hope it will not happen because it will seem that we are extremely divided by the look of it," he said.
Ahmad also said that the proposal would portray a bad image of the country and reflect a division among the people.
"'Malaysia Madani' is a general theme of development, progress and civilisation.
"Madani means a high-value civilisation based on pure values. That's what Madani means," he said.
Ahmad's comments came after PN Youth chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari reportedly claimed that Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu would probably use an alternative logo and theme launched by PN Youth in conjunction with the National Day celebration.
The logo introduced by the wing is based on a hibiscus flower with five petals which is the national flower with a theme 'Teguh Muafakat Malaysia Sejahtera' (Strong Consensus Prosperous Malaysia).
Earlier, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced that 'Malaysia Madani: Tekad Perpaduan, Penuhi Harapan' (Civilised Malaysia: Determined Unity, Fulfilling Hope) was chosen as the theme for National Day and Malaysia Day (HKHM) 2023.
Ahmad said that if the proposal to use a different logo and theme went ahead, it would further divide the country and damage the existing unity.
"We should be big-hearted. The people of the states had made a choice, but we should not exacerbate the relationship. It doesn't strengthen the relationship, but worsen it which in my opinion is no good," he said.
