Letter to editor
ACCORDING to the election laws and the Federal Constitution, our votes are a secret and that Malaysian voters are free to choose their preferred representative and political party.
Having said that and in line with the spirit of all Malaysians, national level celebrations that are carried out for Merdeka should also not be politically toned on any front.
Be it the theme or logo or activities that are done in the name of all Malaysians.
Taking a neutral stand on this issue, I am strongly against any political party that rides on an event which should be purely based on national patriotism for the country and not have any tint of political parties’ manifesto, motto or branding.
Aug 31 and Sept 16 are two very auspicious and historically important dates for all Malaysians regardless of their political inclination and support.
There could be arguments that in previous years, some political parties would have taken advantage of the events.
But then isn’t it time that the leaders of today mature up and set a new precedent of stopping such a practice for good? Malaysians deserve a neutral theme for such a celebration.
The nation is rich with patriotic individuals who could easily coin a meaningful and neutral theme, and even logo for Merdeka celebrations that live up to the spirit of all Malaysians regardless of race, religion, and political affiliations.
Merdeka spirit must not be politicised by any party – be it the government of the day or the opposition parties.
Our forefathers who fought for the nation’s freedom did so for every single Malaysian and not for the benefits of any political party per se.
Unity comes when there is a common ground in such celebrations and not by planting political themes hoping to gain brownies with the rakyat.
All Malaysians deserve Merdeka from political bickering, more so on Aug 31.
Let’s keep that in mind and move forward. Have a great Merdeka month.
Merdeka, Merdeka, Merdeka!
Narinder Pal Singh
DEMI RAKYAT
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
