PN Leader Slammed For Proposing Separate Hari Kebangsaan Logo & Theme In PN-Led States
The proposal to use a different Hari Kebangsaan logo and theme is perceived as indicative of an anti-government stance.
By Yap Wan Xiang — 21 Aug 2023, 04:11 PM
Perikatan National (PN) Youth leader Ahmad Fadhli Shaari has come under scrutiny for suggesting that PN-led states should adopt a different logo and theme to celebrate Hari Kebangsaan
On Saturday, 19 August, Ahmad Fadhli said Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu may adopt the theme, 'Teguh Muafakat Malaysia Sejahtera' (Strong Consensus for a Prosperous Malaysia), for the upcoming state-level Hari Kebangsaan celebrations.
He was accompanied by PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang during the unveiling of the proposed theme, along with a logo portraying a hibiscus flower in Jalur Gemilang colours, reported Berita Harian.
"This logo is intended for PN's official Hari Kebangsaan celebrations and will be used during speeches by PN leaders, especially within the Youth level and parties under PN.
"We also do not rule out the possibility of the state governments under PN adopting the same theme. However, I cannot speak on behalf of the state governments," said the Pasir Mas member of parliament (MP), adding that he will speak to the four PN-led states to determine whether there is enough time to introduce the logo and theme.
Ahmad Fadhli's suggestion contrasts with the federal government's recently unveiled 66th Hari Kebangsaan theme, 'Malaysia MADANI: Tekad Perpaduan, Penuhi Harapan' (Determination in Unity, Fulfilling Hope).
The introduction of the Hari Kebangsaan logo and theme to be used in PN-led states was officiated by PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang (right).
Image via Berita HarianFollowing the PAS leader's suggestion, various parties have criticised him for proposing such a "crazy" idea
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi described Ahmad Fadhli's idea as "crazy", saying the latter does not deserve to be the rakyat's representative due to his "narrow-minded" attitude, reported New Straits Times.
"Is he crazy or what? He doesn't deserve to be an MP if he has a narrow-minded attitude.
"This is about celebrating Hari Kebangsaan at the national level... Not everything can be politicised," he said.
Meanwhile, Patriot president Datuk Mohamed Arshad Mohammed Raji said Ahmad Fadhli's proposal reflects an anti-government stance.
"Using different themes and logos for the Hari Kebangsaan celebration in the four PN-led states, by all counts, is seen as betraying the principles of federalism practised in this country.
"What have the Bersatu and PAS leadership got to say about this dangerous trend they are said to be mooting?
"Never in the history of our nationhood since gaining independence has there ever been such a stance in the country. Why now?" Arshad said in a statement yesterday, 20 August.
The two contrasting logos and themes by the federal government (left) and PN-led state governments (right).
Image via Jabatan Penerangan MalaysiaCommunications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said that his ministry will examine and investigate the matter because he does not want Ahmad Fadhli's proposal to create disunity among the rakyat
Fahmi stated that the celebration of the national month is not political in nature; rather, it is a nationwide celebration.
However, Ahmad Fadhli retorted by asking Fahmi to launch an investigation into the Selangor state government under the Pakatan Harapan (PH) administration, reported Berita Harian.
"I think the minister can start the investigation by looking at the actions of the state government under PH, as it used a different (Hari Kebangsaan) logo and theme during the PN administration," said the PN youth leader.
It is true that the Selangor state government introduced a different logo and theme, namely '#KitaSelangor Teguh Bersama' (We Selangorians, Stay Strong Together), for the state-level 65th Hari Kebangsaan celebration. This information can be verified through a press release that is still available on the official Selangor state government's website.
Meanwhile, FMT reported that in 2015, the DAP-led Penang state government had also proposed using a separate Hari Kebangsaan theme, 'Bersih, Cekap, Amanah' (Clean, Efficient, Trustworthy).
But the proposal was dropped after the armed forces said it would not take part in the state-level parade if a separate theme was used.
The two contrasting logos and themes by the federal government (left) and PH-led Selangor state government (right) last year.
Image via Selangor State Government