KUALA LUMPUR: Historians said the proposal by Perikatan Nasional (PN) Youth for the four states controlled by the coalition to consider using different logos and themes for this year's National Day celebration instead of those announced at the federal-level was outright rude and irresponsible.
Professor Datuk Dr Ramlah Adam feared that such a proposal would not only create disunity among the people, but also have an impact towards public order. She said such a move is akin to inculculating separation between the states and the federal administration.
"The states are within the federation. Any attempts to sow differences (separation) among the people residing in the states (from the federal administration) would only create tension (among the public).
"When there is a proposal to create differences (between the states and federal level), it is similar to creating differences in loyalty between the people in these states and those residing in other states.
"We are all living in the Federation of Malaysia, in one nation, one (official national) language, one administration under the Yang di-Pertuan Agong," she told Berita Harian.
Ramlah said while differences in views should be celebrated in a country that upholds democracy, it should not be to the extent of neglecting the national policy.
"Setting the logo (and theme) of the National Day celebration is the policy of the federal government, and it is the right of the Federation. It should be followed by the states," she said.
She was asked to comment on the proposal for four states controlled by PN to consider using 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).
Ramlah also described the statement by Fadhli as arrogant after PN managed to retain Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu in the Aug 12 state polls.
"You have different political parties (ideologies) but not the national policy. If you refuse to use the same logo, it is as if you are not loyal to the nation.
"I think he ( Fadhli) is 'kurang ajar' (rude) towards the existing national policy, and this is disappointing. I think the party that has won (the state polls) has become so proud and arrogant until they dare to challenge the national policy," she said.
Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Teo Kok Seong said each political bloc is trying to promote partisan sentiments for the National Day celebration through the use of phrases and words that excessively elevate their respective image. He said such a thing should not happen.
"This issue persisted because there are too many political elements (surrounding the use of different National Day celebration logos and themes). This is not good especially at a time when the country's political situation is yet to stabilise," he said.
Earlier today, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang described any proposal to consider using different National Day logos and themes from those announced at the federal level would disrupt the national development agenda.
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.