Gerakan National Unity Bureau Chairman Dr. Asharuddin Ahmad today criticises PR on their latest farcical political sham on which they have shown a lack of cohesion and understanding among themselves by adopting four Merdeka themes in each of the PR-led states and then ludicrously reversed the decision by readopting the initial theme first proposed by the PR leadership.

Dr. Asharuddin Ahmad strongly deprecates PR’s move on using alternative Merdeka theme contrary to the official theme “Janji Ditepati” announced by government that is completely against the spirit of national unity, let alone four different Merdeka themes in each of the PR-led states which he deems as a flagrant disrespect to the nation.

Dr. Asharuddin Ahmad maintains that Merdeka Day is of utmost importance to the nation as a civic reminder to all Malaysians regardless of race, religion or even partisan affiliation to the fact that the prosperity and harmony we enjoying today are very much owed to the good governance and promotion of national unity by our former leaders which is hard-earned and thus worth to be held with both hands and a deep appreciation.

Besides, he also points out that the situation is becoming more positive in recent years with the openness and inclusive attitude of the federal government demonstrating better recognition to historical events such as the announcement of September 16, Malaysia Day as a nationwide public holiday beginning in 2010. Therefore, every year around this time between August and September, the mood and the ambience of the nation will be filled with a sense of blazing patriotism and nationalism that are promoting national unity and integration.

“However, it is much to the dismay of the faithful Malaysians that PR is apparently inciting segregation and disunity among the people with its proposition of having up to four alternative Merdeka themes in all PR-led states and then have their decision reversed, which clearly shows the lack of understanding and cohesion within the tri-parties political pact and the disrespect they are demonstrating towards the nation by tampering such an important national agenda,” says Dr. Asharuddin Ahmad.

He stresses that PR should respect the democratic system that the country has been practicing for decades. In a representative democracy, leaders are elected and passed by a majority of voters and lawmakers, therefore they are given the mandate to govern the nation responsibly with respect on the rights of minority groups. Thus, it is unwarranted for PR to stir up contentious dispute about the Merdeka theme that is largely politically motivated.

“It is the government’s prerogative to use a particular theme for Merdeka Day as the government is chosen by the people which serves the best interests and overall betterment of the country, therefore PR should respect the choice of the people and not to oppose the official Merdeka theme just as they feel like to be treated the same by the government,” adds Dr. Asharuddin Ahmad.