3 Pakatan states to use alternative N-Day theme

PAS vice-president Salahuddin Ayub has confirmed that three states governed by Pakatan Rakyat - Penang, Selangor and Kelantan - will use their alternative theme ‘Sebangsa, Senegara, Sejiwa’ (One Nation, One Country, One Soul) for this year’s Merdeka celebration.

However, another Pakatan state, Kedah, will adopt a different theme - ‘55 Tahun Merdeka Terus Berbakti’ (Continue to serve after 55 years of Independence).

According to Malay daily Sinar Harian, Salahuddin (left) revealed that Pakatan’s committee on the Merdeka theme had made the decision three days ago to use the alternative theme.

“We will continue with the theme suggested by us to celebrate the National Day, but it is slightly different with Kedah which wants to use the theme ‘55 Tahun Merdeka Terus Berbakti’,” he was quoted as saying.

Kedah publicity exco member Abd Ghani Ahmad had earlier said that the decision was reached in a recent exco meeting.

“Although we use a different theme, it is not a problem. What is important is that the celebration of National Day must be filled with patriotism within society,” said Salahuddin.

The Kubang Kerian MP explained that Kedah has already called a meeting with regard to the National Day theme and logo to be used in the northern state.

“Nevertheless I believe it will not result in conflict between Pakatan leaders. Although using a slightly different theme, the spirit to celebrate this historic day remains the same and the unity among the people should be enhanced,” he added.

Pakatan mooted the idea of adopting an alternative theme after the Information, Communications and Culture Ministry refused to change its theme ‘Janji Ditepati’ (Promises Fulfilled) which is also BN’s political campaign theme.

The alternative theme was chosen by a committee chaired by national laureate A Samad Said out of 250 entries from the public.