Ministry stands firm with Merdeka Day theme

People need to appreciate the government's promises, says minister Rais Yatim.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Information, Communications and Culture Ministry is standing firm with this year’s Merdeka Day celebration theme, “55 Years of Independence, Promises Fulfilled”.

The minister, Rais Yatim, said that as the ministry was responsible in interpreting the nation’s success for the past 55 years, the theme reflected appropriate content.

He said, the theme, “55 Years of Independence, Promises Fulfilled” was a Cabinet decision.

“The opposition and its alliance will feel the heat, going by the slogan, as they do not have a track record of achievement.

“What was played up by The Malay Mail was a political protest which was unhappy with the government’s achievements and successes, so far,” he said in a statement here today.

Rais was commenting on the selection of “55 Years of Independence, Promises Fulfilled” as the theme for the Merdeka Day celebration this year, which was questioned by the opposition which claimed the theme had political elements.

He noted, only during the anniversary of independence, people needed to celebrate and appreciate the government’s promises to the people.

“The government’s promises to the people have been fulfilled. During the anniversary of independence, this matter should be appreciated and celebrated, and the deeds of past struggles should also be remembered. Merdeka!,” said the minister.

Bernama