Kit Siang: BN set on hijacking Merdeka Day

BN has been accused of attempting to hijack Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day by adopting party slogans for the event. 

In a press release today, DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang said BN is promoting partisanship by adopting its campaign theme "Janji ditepati (Promises fulfilled)" for both events. 

Lim, a veteran opposition lawmaker, argued that this was made worse by BN's "Jelajah janji detepati (Promises fulfilled tour)". 

He argued that BN leaders at this event, including Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and his deputy Muhyiddin Yassin, appear to be deliberately provoking participants. 

He said that this was opposed to the purpose of the two events - which is to put aside political, racial and religious differences to celebrate national unity. 

"The question that must be asked is - Who is being petty minded and even being anti-national?" asked Lim. 

Lim said the situation begs the question of whether BN is feeling desperate and is forced to infuse partisan politics in celebrating the two events. 

Questions about the Najib administration's commitment towards the 1Malaysia policy - where citizens concieve themselves as Malaysian first - also arise from from this exercise, said Lim. 

Lim said BN appear to be unable to distinguish between the nation and parties-in-power. 

"Pakatan Rakyat component parties are prepared to put aside all its slogans on National Day and Malaysia Day, but clearly Umno and BN are not prepared to make such an important national gesture," he said.