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Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Rais shoots down alternative Merdeka theme



Information, Communications and Culture Minister Rais Yatim today brushed off Pakatan Rakyat's alternative theme for Merdeka Day, urging the coalition to act in the spirit of the auspicious celebration.

"There is no necessity to replace (the theme). The government has decided to use 'Janji Ditepati' this year and if there are no drawbacks, we can consider the (opposition's) theme for use with other programmes later.

NONE"I am not upset over whether they accept (the theme) or not. 

"Do what is appropriate as an opposition but I ask that we be together on that day and give emphasis to our love for Malaysia," he said, according to Bernama.

After poring through 250 proposals, Pakatan has mooted "Sebangsa, Senegara, Sejiwa" (One Nation, One Country, One Soul) as the Merdeka Day theme because "Janji Ditepati" is BN's campaign theme.

Rais said the government was open to criticism over the theme and logo, which his ministry designed, and he urged Pakatan to respect Merdeka Day and not cause a split.

"For anyone who is in the opposition in the country, the opposition will not be valid if he or she ignores Merdeka Day," he said.
'No separate celebration please'

Rais said should Pakatan hold separate Merdeka Day celebration, it would be a first.

He also revealed that eight more graphics in conjunction with Merdeka Day will be published in the newspapers every week until Aug 31. 

NONEOn allegations that the Merdeka Day theme song resembled an Indonesian song, he asked such critics to show proof. 

Critics have claimed that the theme song's lyrics - penned by Rais himself, and includes a rap sequence - failed to differentiate between the concept of nationhood and government policy.

Others called it an overt pro-BN propaganda song.

Rais was also forced to withdraw the logo for the Merdeka Day celebration after it was severely criticised by design experts and netizens. 

He said that only the 1Malaysia logo would be used.

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