KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 25 — The armed forces has fired a warning shot that it will not compromise unity ahead of the 58th Merdeka Day celebrations.
Hours after Penang declared it would replace the Merdeka theme of “Bersih, Cekap, Amanah” to the national theme of #sehatisejiwa, the armed forces say its 350-strong personnel will join the activities in the state. This comes barely a day after its chief Gen Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin said they would pull out from the celebrations.
“This is not (a) flip-flop (decision). What Penang did earlier went against the spirit of unity but since they have changed the theme, we have no qualms (about joining the celebrations),” said Zulkifeli.
“I see it as setting a precedent. The armed forces wants to see unity, especially during Merdeka. Arriving at this decision is not an issue ... we did what we had to do and now we’re back (in the celebrations).”
In a brief statement yesterday, the armed forces welcomed Penang’s move to use #sehatisejiwa as the theme.
“As such, we will participate in the state-level National Day celebrations as planned in the spirit of Merdeka,” the statement read.
Zulkifeli had on Sunday said personnel from the army, navy and air force would not take part in any activities and would withdraw from the main organising committee of the state-level celebrations.
The personnel, mostly from the Tun Razak Camp in Bukit Gedung, will be part of the ceremonial guard-of-honour, parade and flag bearers who will hoist the Jalur Gemilang when the Negaraku is played.
The police have also decided to rejoin the state-level celebrations after Penang’s decision to use the national theme.
Last week, the state Education Department barred students from participating in the celebrations because of the different theme. Some 1,500 students from nearly 30 schools had been preparing for the parade.
Leaders and observers called on all parties to stop politicising Merdeka, adding that the day was supposed to be celebrated by all regardless of political differences.
