KUALA LUMPUR: National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the proposal by some states to consider using different National Day logos and themes for state-level celebrations instead of those announced at the federal level will disrupt the national development agenda.
In a thinly-veiled jab at Perikatan Nasional (PN), Aaron said such a movement would deter efforts by the government to ensure and protect the wellbeing of the people and affect Malaysia's transformation into a developed country.
He said by raising such an "issue" with the National Day logo and theme, those quarters have created a social deficit that could disturb the unity in federalism politics.
He said this was very closely related to the cooperation, tolerance and good ties between the federal and state governments which should be handled wisely.
"Leaders at all levels should instead play an important role in enhancing unity in the aspect of good governance at the federal and state-levels.
"The diversity of the people in our country should be used as a strength and a symbol of unity to the world.
"Efforts to shape and manage the diversity of society and culture require more integrated actions backed by integrity, courtesy and wise decision-making," he said in a statement today.
It was reported that the four states controlled by PN may use different National Day logos and themes for state-level celebrations instead of those announced at the federal level.
PN Youth leader Ahmad Fadhli Shaari said Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu would likely use the alternative logo and theme, which was launched by the movement yesterday (Aug 19).
He said the PN Youth's logo depicts the hibiscus flower with five petals which is the national flower, taking the colours found in the Jalur Gemilang with the theme of 'Teguh Muafakat Malaysia Sejahtera' (Strong Consensus for a Prosperous Malaysia).
"This logo is for PN's official celebration of the National Day, which we will use during the PN leadership speech, especially at the Youth level and parties under PN," Ahmad Fadhli was quoted as saying.