PETALING JAYA, March 29 — A Selangor state representative downplayed criticism against the #KitaLawan motto for the 2016 Malaysia Games (Sukma).

State executive councillor for sports, Amirudin Shari, who chaired a meeting with state sports associations at De Palma Hotel in Ampang last Friday where the logo was revealed, brushed aside suggestions the tagline was to drive a political message.

“It is about the spirit needed in the team. I see no issues with it. But it’s merely a proposal and the state sports council will decide if it will be adopted for the Games,” said Amirudin.

“I don’t think it’s a political message. It is related to our goals to fight and reclaim the overall title. We want to instil that spirit in our athletes.”

He said many other mottos were politically motivated but used prominently in sports, including 1Malaysia.

“If #KitaLawan cannot be used, then many other mottos cannot be used too,” he added.

Selangor were the overall winners in the 2013 edition, ending Terengganu’s five-year domination.

Federal Territories emerged as the big winners at last year’s Sukma.